SOFTS

ALBUM REVIEW
Holdsworth is replaced by Etheridge ( no ! not the dyke) from Darryl Way's Wolf and as Ratledge is bowing out (it had become foreseeable by listening well to Bundles), should this still be called Soft Machine after this one? Ratledge still contributes synth works on two or three tracks. Please note that Alan Wakeman holds no relationship (at least none clearly announced) to the keyboardist with the star-sprinkled cape. Although the surprise of Bundles is gone , this is still a good album though, and the progression is quite impressive . One can say that even with no original members , Soft Machine managed to keep its musical aesthetics quite clear until the last album (Cockayne) when they should've called it a day . Ban Ban Caliban is really impressive with its 9 min+ lenght and full energy. As usual Marshall blesses us with yet another drum solo on side 2. A clear relation is alluded to the previous album when you come to the second track of side 2 called Second Bundle. This album is just as good as the previous Bundles and is yet another high point in Soft Machine's lenghthy career ( Vol1&2, third , 6, Bundles, and this one). Much recommended. However with each new album after this one , they will sound a bit more mainstream Jazz-rock. (Sean Trane - Progarchives)