DOWNWIND

If we do not consider the couples of more straightforward rock-oriented common songs involved, this is an excellent Gong's record of the jazz-fusion era, characterized by the charming, refined and magic xylophone-marimba-vibraphone arrangements. There are many famous musicians involved, featuring Steve Winwood and Mike Oldfield among others. Be warned: the electric guitars that are not played by Mike Oldfield have a rather bland sound: it has the dull style of Darryl Stuermer himself!

On side 1, The first track "Aeroplane" is good but a bit odd, since it sounds quite straightforward rock with lead vocals: it is not really progressive. The excellent next track "Crosscurrents" contains excellent & complex percussions from the Moerlen brothers; the combination of violins, electric guitars, drums and keyboards is impressive too. The best track is definitely "Downwind": full of the Moelen's percussions, it sounds a bit like the track "When the wind chimes" on the Mike Oldfield's Islands album: Mike Oldfield himself plays the emotional electric guitars; as if this was not enough, Terry Oldfield seems to play very typical flute parts. the excellent saxes and keyboards parts will also remind you a bit the Passport band around 1980.

On the side 2, the first track "Jin-Go-Lo-Ba" dangerously sounds rock with a mix of fusion like the Passport band, especially the urban keyboards in the background. "What You Know" is definitely a deja vu song: although the presence of Hohner Clavinet, Gong can make better than this kind of dull & common track. The mellow & relaxing "Emotions" has the pleasant violin style of Jean-Luc Ponty, combined with the delightful Moerlen's magic percussions. "Xtasea" ends well this album: the first part is quite relaxing, having a bit the same style than "Emotions". The second part is also excellent despite a misplaced electric guitar solo.