Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography
Gong - Second Wind CD (album) cover

SECOND WIND

Gong

Canterbury Scene


From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Bookmark and Share
Sean Trane
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR
Prog Folk
2 stars 2.5 stars really!!

To their credits, PM'sG never stopped recording during the low point in the history of music, the 80's decade, but they weren't exactly making outstanding albums either, and certainly not of the calibre of Downwind, Gazeuse or Expresso. Sooo Second Wind was recorded in late 88, and it's a little surprising that there was still a public for this kind of music. Personally I wasn't paying attention back then, and probably thankfully so, because chances are that I wouldn't be as objective than if I discovered it in the new millennium, which is the case.

Coming with an interesting semi-esoteric artwork, the double lp album Second Wind is not as bad as some of the fusion records of earlier-80's, and could fit easily on the ECM label catalogue. Hovering Gongzilla- type of fusion, and sometimes approaching dangerously muzak, SW has some moments, but completely lacks energy in favour of that typical way too slick sound (almost defining the decade musically) and even if the musicians are still impeccably virtuosic in their playing. Maybe Moerlen's 80's style drumming on some songs is the most irritating thing on this album, but it doesn't stop Pierre from impressive, no matter what.

However the second disc is just a gigantic drum solo, with one track divided into three sections and sprawled over both sides of the vinyl. Pierre is certainly one of the better drummer of his generation, but here filling an entire vinyl with his unaccompanied solo, is not exactly humble of his, neither is it rivetting, no matter how good a drummer he may be. But it's certainly one hell of a performance, no doubt about it.

Hardly essential an album, but better than the previous two efforts, SW could easily be confused with some of the era's ECM albums. But should you want to investing the Moerlen brothers' works, there are much suitable intros than this album to their percussive world.

Report this review (#161673)
Posted Wednesday, February 13, 2008 | Review Permalink
4 stars Another album of Pierre Moerlen's that made another context of Gong Music. This album seems to emerge from the commercial part of this band but realy we can listen good moments of progressive music. Some good moments of guitar and xylophone that made a different ambiance of psichedelic Gong context. I like all Pierre Moerlen's gong albuns and all are differentof first Gong sound. It's not a boring album but last three tracks are a nothing special drum's solo. However, other tracks on the album show us a fun and unique facet of this band. Good moments of music instruments duets. I give 4 stars because it's a good moment of Gong universe.
Report this review (#517378)
Posted Thursday, September 8, 2011 | Review Permalink

GONG Second Wind ratings only


chronological order | showing rating only

Post a review of GONG Second Wind


You must be a forum member to post a review, please register here if you are not.

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.