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  | SOFT MACHINE ~ HIDDEN DETAILS
MOONJUNE 093 (Barcode: 692287909321) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018
This is the 11th studio album by the iconic British group Soft MachineFind albums by this artist, recorded after a thirty-seven years’ gap since their previous studio album “Land Of CockayneFind albums with this title” from 1981. It is also their first album since the interim Soft Machine LegacyFind albums by this artist name was dropped in order to return the original name. The group comprises of SM veterans: drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist, guitarist John EtheridgeFind albums by this artist and bassist Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist, with saxophonist / keyboardist Theo TravisFind albums by this artist completing the lineup. The album presents thirteen tracks, including new interpretations of older SM pieces, all composed by the group’s members. The album was recorded at the Temple Studio owned by the lamented Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist, and engineered by him.
The music is a natural / organic continuation of the Soft Machine tradition, with a somewhat updated sound and ambiance, but easily recognizable as much as likeable by the groups many fans, who cling to the fond memories. The music of SM was always completely timeless and as such does not need to search for new pastures. It lost perhaps some of its Avant-Garde tendencies, which were dominant at the early days, but gained more melodic and harmonic richness and of course the experience of half a Century of music making, which leaves a significant mark on the music.
Overall, this is a most welcome “comeback” of sorts, although there was a continuous presence of Soft Machine in one way or another during the years, mostly by the numerous reissues of their live recordings, admittedly of varying quality, as well as solo recordings by the band members and various “related” projects. This is a first rate new material, every bit as satisfying as everything the group recorded in the past, different but familiar, exactly what the many fans of the group love to hear.
| | Updated: 30/06/2024Posted: 30/06/2024 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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