What makes The Universe Also Collapses by Gong notable?

This album revitalized Gong's presence in the progressive rock scene, receiving positive reviews for its ambitious compositions. It was noted for its ability to capture both the essence of classic Gong and introduce modern elements, influencing younger progressive bands looking for inspiration in their sound. The Universe Also Collapses marks Gong's return after a lengthy hiatus since their last studio album in 2013. By 2019, the band had evolved through various lineups and influences, and this release showcases their enduring legacy in the progressive rock genre while experimenting with more contemporary sounds.

How many songs are on The Universe Also Collapses?

The Universe Also Collapses has 4 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

The Universe Also Collapses

Gong · 2019

43 min · 4 tracks · progressive rock

A sprawling journey through sonic landscapes that blend intricate melodies with cosmic themes, drawing listeners into a progressive rock odyssey.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Forever Reoccurring — With an expansive runtime, this track encapsulates the essence of Gong’s progressive style, blending improvisation with structured melodies that evoke a sense of cosmic wonder.
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My Sawtooth Wake — This piece stands out for its intricate instrumentation and a captivating rhythm that showcases the band's musical dexterity while exploring themes of consciousness.
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The Elemental — In under seven minutes, this track distills Gong's ethos into an energetic burst of creativity, balancing lyrical depth with vibrant musical exploration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases ambitious compositions with intricate arrangements typical of progressive rock.

What we noticed

The album features four tracks, each exceeding eight minutes, allowing for extended instrumental passages and thematic development.
The use of layered instrumentation, including synthesizers and traditional rock elements, contributes to a rich sonic texture that is characteristic of progressive rock.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Forever Reoccurring 20:37
2 If Never I'm and Ever You 2:27
3 My Sawtooth Wake 13:15
4 The Elemental 6:45

What to play next

Go back to

Rejoice! I'm Dead!

2016

Full Gong discography Where to start with Gong Artists like Gong

progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata