Name: Camembert Electrique
Brand: Gong

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

rockpots013

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Discs

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2012-07-09

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Plastichead

Tax rate GB

UPC / Barcode

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Gong

Genre GB

Prog Rock

Label GB

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 gong via the voice of a 'radio gnome' who drops in intermittently to remind you you're not in kansas anymore. daevid allen 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 gong sessions; he is a major figure here, as is saxophonist d+6idier malherbe. both are up front on the wailing progressive rocker 'you can't kill me,' which also features guitarist allen in top form. allen'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 gong experience. but the real gem on camembert 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.' 'camembert electrique' remains undated after almost 30 years and hovers 'strong and steamin' over most of the gong catalog.

Camembert Electrique

Music GB