Gong
I See You

“I See You” is the 13th official studio album by the legendary international rock-ensemble GONG led by music innovator, song-writer and performer Daevid Allen. It was released on November 10, 2014 on CD and double LP and happened to be the last Gong’s album created by Daevid Allen before his death on March 13, 2015. This particular CD-edition by the Snapper Music/ Madfish Records label came out as Deluxe hard-cover MediaBook with 26-page booklet containing lyrics and track liner notes from Daevid Allen. The disc features 12 tracks clocking in at over 62 minutes (song “Pixielation” is featured only on the CD-version). All tracks were performed by the line-up of: Daevid Allen (gliss guitar, vocals), Ian East (saxs, flute), Fabio Golfetti (guitars), Kavus Torabi (guitars), Dave Sturt (bass, samples), and Orlando Allen (drums, vocals, and engineering-producing) with guest appearance of Gilli Smyth (voice). “I See You” might be my favorite Gong’s album of the modern period. As a chief writer and director of the materials, Daevid Allen demonstrated wide knowledge and great taste in modern alternative and experimental rock music, yet managed to interpret actual tendencies in a classic Gong’s style. The album surprises at the variety of compositional approaches, but all songs work together really cohesive and coherent bringing the feeling of a conceptual work. The lyrics are really cheerful and enjoyable, instrumental arrangements sophisticated and intriguing, and music performance impeccable. Stylistically, “I See You” is very close to the Canterbury-Prog/Psychedelia heritage but it sounds contemporary and challenging, not vintage retrodelic. It’s nothing short of a masterpiece, modern era rock-classic here!