The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast PEL Presents NEM#249: Kavus Torabi Now Leads Gong
Mar 27, 2026
Kavus Torabi, musician and songwriter leading Knifeworld and now fronting Gong, traces his path from math-rock to prog and solo hymn-like songs. He discusses songwriting, odd meters made to groove, arranging with unusual instruments like bassoon and sitar-like textures, and playful studio choices. Expect talk of key-change tricks, dense live-unfriendly arrangements, and nostalgic nods to past bands.
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Use Odd Meters To Groove Not To Show Off
- Kavus writes in unusual meters instinctively, not to prove complexity; he wants odd meters to feel groovy rather than obtuse.
- He aims for slippery meters that groove like four-four despite irregular counts.
Lyric As Conversation With Yourself
- Stars in Heaven's lyric is a self-conversation—Kavus urging himself past despair toward wonder and gratitude.
- He wrote it from recent personal hardship, choosing to return from pessimism to positivity in the lyric arc.
Adapting Lyrics To A Band's Mythic Voice
- Fronting Gong changed Kavus' lyrical stance: he shifted from autobiographical lyrics to mystical, psychedelic, hymn-like language suited to Gong's mythic tone.
- He uses Gong to sing about mysticism, mortality, and psychedelic visions rather than personal diary detail.