Camembert Électrique [COLV] in Bloomington, MN

This is a classic, the epitome of the band's early
Daevid Allen
phase with
Ph.P.'s
(pothead pixies) in full, blazing glory. In its infancy,
Gong
was a unique prog rock band that branched out in all directions at once while most other prog bands chose simply one path or another.
Camembert Electrique
is a testament to that. The band's eclectic "electric cheese" rock is a mixture of psychedelic rock, spacy atmospherics and lyrics, and doses of jazz often presented with a pop sensibility, yet always intense. From the first cut on
Camembert
, you are transported to planet
via the voice of a "radio gnome" who drops in intermittently to remind you you're not in Kansas anymore.
leads the band through several compositions musically (not lyrically) reminiscent of, and possibly influenced by, early
King Crimson
-- a hard, raw-edged sound propelled by a strong guitar-sax-percussion combo. Drummer
Pip Pyle
played on only a few
sessions; he is a major figure here, as is saxophonist
Didier Malherbe
. Both are up front on the wailing progressive rocker
"You Can't Kill Me,"
which also features guitarist
Allen
in top form.
's declarative
"I've Bin Stone Before,"
the first part of an inventive three-song medley, is of particular interest; introductory church organ and avant-garde sax make this another unique
experience. But the real gem on
is
"Tropical Fish: Selene."
This jazzy composition is the most involving and intricate piece on the recording. The band moves tightly through several progressive movements and
Gilli Smyth
scores with her trademark "space whispering."
remains undated after over 40 years and hovers "strong and steamin'" over most of the
catalog. ~ David Ross Smith