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Gongzilla - Five Even CD (album) cover

FIVE EVEN

Gongzilla

 

Jazz Rock/Fusion

3.65 | 12 ratings

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snobb
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
4 stars This, last to time, Gongzilla incarnation, is far not the same band as they were at very beginning. With their roots in Gaze use-time Gong, the band explored similar form of jazz rock fusion on their previous albums. Often with guest star - guitarists (as Allan Holdsworth or David Torn).

This time there are no well-known guest invited. This album is played by team, led by bassist and vocalist Hansford Rowe. When I started with very first song, it looked I just put a wrong CD in my Harman-Cardon system. It sounded like unknown Peter Gabriel's album... Same voice, similar aerial funky beat.

Few next songs were more jazzy, sometimes with soloing guitar. But all music is very far from jazz fusion of late 70-s. Many songs are with vocals ( which really often sounds very Peter Gabriel - like), rhythms are funky or even African, music is very airy, pleasant, quite melodic.

Somewhere from the middle of this album, I started to like this music. It is very different from what you're expecting to hear. But if you will listen without prediction, you will realize how different, beautiful and fresh it sounds.

Yes, musicians used many pop elements, but it is tasteful and elegant pop, you don't need to afraid to. Possibly, it is easier way to imagine this album as Steely Dan from 2008. Those of you for whom this comparison sounds attractive - find and try this album. You wouldn't be disappointed!

snobb | 4/5 |

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