Gong - Expresso II (1978)

Second album by Pierre Moerlen's Gong, titled Expresso II as Gazeuse! had been released as 'Expresso' in some territories.  By this point, everyone bar the Moerlens who would've been recognisable as classic Gong - Allen, Smyth, Hillage, Howlett, Malherbe - had all jumped ship, but as far as riding out their Virgin contract was concerned, this was still Gong.  And it's a blast.

Expresso II takes the mallet-percussion jazz rock template of its predecessor and turns up the funk, resulting in the catchy strut of Heavy Tune, the jittery groove of Golden Dilemma, and so on.  Allan Holdsworth (still haven't got started on his solo records, dammit) gets in plenty more sui generis widdling, with newbie guitarist Bon Lozaga and guest Mick Taylor shining too, new bassist Hansford Rowe lays down some deft lines perfectly suited to this kind of music, and everyone has tons of fun.  I love this little record.

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