About Time

Daevid AllenがGONGを脱退した後に北米ニューヨークへ渡り、後に結成されるMATERIALの母体となるZU BANDにて当時活動していたBill Laswell(b)、Michael Bainhorn(key)、Fred Maher(drs)、Cliff Cultreri(g)等と共に結成した、GONGのパンク/オルタナティブ・ロックバージョンとも言うべきNEW YORK GONGの80年唯一作が再発!

Gong gone punk. About Time documents Daevid Allen's 1979 New York trip to partake of the then-happenin' CBGB's scene. The new sound is an odd hybrid of psychedelia ("Preface"), new wave ("I Am a Freud") and punk ("Much Too Old"), with a lyrical sentiment reminiscent of early-'70s Gong ("Jungle Window"). The CD opens with an effects-laden recording of Allen reciting his "trippy" poetry. Some of the compositions, like "I Am a Freud," bleed quirky rhythms and melodies resembling the work of the League of Gentlemen and Talking Heads. "Materialism" and "Strong Woman" feature Allen's glissando guitar, which seems a forerunner to the sound Fripp and Belew employed on their early-'80s King Crimson projects. "Materialism," penned by Laswell, is a standout with its dominating bass driving home the groove. Another highlight is "Jungle Window," the most Gong-like piece in the set, featuring Gary Windo's jagged sax and Laswell's popping bass. About Time is a solid CD which pleasantly expands Allen's repertoire. ~ David Ross Smith