"Expresso II" is the eighth studio album by the progressive rock band Gong, released in 1978. This album is known for being a significant shift from the group's earlier works. The shift in musical style is indicative of the band's transition into a more jazz-driven sound.
The members involved in producing this album were Pierre Moerlen on drums and percussion along with other notable musicians like Allan Holdsworth on guitars and Didier Malherbe on saxophones and flutes. Moerlen, in particular, played a significant role as a composer in most of the tracks. "Expresso II" was the second and last Gong album to be released under the Virgin Records label.
The album contains seven tracks, all displaying a clear jazz-fusion style, which was quite popular during the late 1970s. Some of the standout tracks include "Heavy Tune" and "Golden Dilemma." Critics often describe the musical elements of this album as a sophisticated blend of well-thought-out compositions with impressive individual performances.
Overall, "Expresso II" is an album that reflects an essential period in the evolution of Gong's sound, marking their successful transition from progressive, psychedelic rock to becoming pioneers of the jazz-fusion movement. This album was generally well-received by audiences and critics alike for its instrumental proficiency and innovative style.
