I was hired by the Softs for the 2024 US tour leg. I was driver, Merch, comedic foil, load / unload yankee translator! I saw the SOFTS on 12 of the 13 US dates. In all of those 12 shows, there were no less quality shows. Vienna Va Baltimore Orion Studio recorded Sellersville, Pa City Winery Amherst Mass Small batch winery Conn Rutherford NJ ( progstock showcase series William Center Palmer Mass ( video / audio recorded Lowell Albany Liverpool NY Rochester SOFTS go on to Toronto, Ottowa, Quebec The band featured several songs from Other Doors. The 4 current excellent players in Soft Machine play together so fluidly, professionally, and with great exuberance shown to their fans!
I saw Soft Machine at the West End Centre in Aldershot, UK in 2018. Completely blown away by them, John Etheridge was incredible on Guitar. Looking forward to checking out the new album, thanks for the review.
Your review on Other Doors reminds me of the one you did on Einar Solberg where it wasn't as up-tempo as you had hoped for or expected, but at the same time you mentioned that there were several songs that you liked. I appreciate some fire and unpredictability, too, or variation, and even though there isn't a lot of that here, it still sounds like a great listen with it being Soft Machine. Thanks for your insights ahead of my first listen. I'll be getting a copy for sure when it's released in late August.
True story: about 15 years ago I was in Louth, Lincolnshire. While my girlfriend was looking at stuff in a shop off the main shopping street I stood outside. On the other side of the road was a man in a wheelchair who looked astonishingly like Robert Wyatt, but I thought "No way would he be in a rural backwater like Louth" so I didn't go over. A fortnight later an article in the Sunday Times revealed that he had moved to Louth. And my girlfriend was from Canterbury!
Another week, more new product. Listened to some excerpts of this with a mixed reaction. Really enjoy how the piano leads off the song Back In Season so going to give this some more time. The more 'laid back' approach is not too much of a concern since seeming to enjoy more of that type of music recently. Thanks, Pete, for another week of these new product shows. They are always must see, even when they have to be watched a few days after you post them to the channel..
Thank you for this review. I am a massive soft machine fan of their 70s music and I realize it’s not the same band although there are a couple of members that played in the 70s no original members but it’s almost like South machine has a tradition of changing membership, and it’s all rooted in the basic ethos of the bands, artistic vision. Last year I’ve really been getting back into Prog and Fusion. And suggests today I discovered that soft machine has this new album out so I’m excited to get to know it.
I agree! The original Canterbury band, going back to 1968. Of course there are no original members, but unlike most bands in that situation, this doesn’t bother me, because Soft Machine was always more of a musical philosophy. You join the group, you continue to push their psychedelic art rock with vocals forward into jazzy rock territory, then onto free jazz, and by the mid-70s ProgFusion! I have framed their “Third” album on my wall, and listen to it almost every night (to relax and sleep to). Funny thing. Some of the other Prog bands going today sound far more “Canterbury” than today’s Soft Machine. That’s because Other Doors continues their progression from ProgFusion toward instrumental avant garde jazz. Albeit a calm and more contemplative version, which makes for a very unique listening experience that I keep going back to. I really like this record.
Geez, I didn't know this release was happening. I'll listen to some clips, but I feel I'll like it from what you said. I kind of like their laid-back stuff, so... yeah. Thanks, Pete!
I totally appreciate what this lineup is doing. All these guys are talented as hell. Most Canterbury stuff post-golden era is, for me, a bit boring, but the Soft Machine guild in the last few decades has always had a little something up their sleeve. They seem to still have a touch of experimentation to them. I find their new takes on older tunes interesting, if a little pointless. I think the version of Joy of a Toy on this is pretty decent. I come to these new releases with next to no expectations, considering that nothing can top the Wyatt era (in my humble opinion). Also, considering this lineup's extremely tenuous ties to the Wyatt era, and with the only remaining original members (Wyatt and Ratledge) retired from music altogether, it's a wonder that we get anything under the name Soft Machine. At least they aren't completely ruining their legacy the way other great classic bands did with rather tepid new releases (The Stooges, New York Dolls, etc) I'd say one of the other few classic bands that's still putting out worthwhile stuff is Wire.
I love this album. Laid back at times and on tracks like Whisper back and A Flock of Holes I wish they were longer. Also the double bass duo on Now is the Time is Stanley Clarke like which is fine by me and again I wouldn’t mind at all if they stretched it out. Etheridge is outstanding across the album and the angled opening of the Title track is some of the best sounds produced in years. Marshall’s. Drumming is exemplary, and as Pete says all musicianship is second to none. Other track highlights include Penny Hitch (revisited) , Crooked Usage and Back in Season. For me this is a 4.5 out of 5 album. This year we’ve been fortunate with bands around for half a century or more ( line up changes accepted and expected) putting out material the equal of some of their best over that period of time. An obvious example, albeit in a different genre, being Uriah Heep. Long may it continue.
Saw them touring this album, I I really like it I prefer it to the last album, Hidden Details. Just my opinion of course, very happy to have the album, in my collection.
I've been listening to the title track for a month or so now, and am loving it! I'm OK with laid back and, Pete, remember that the average age of the band these days is probably pushing 80! Btw, I stumbled across Fred Theloneous Baker's solo guitar album the other day - really good!th-cam.com/channels/UF0C1qJwdL1uWdgOHKZtAw.html
I liked this, just like almost all of Soft Machines offerings, but does anyone agree with me that nothing since Fourth is brilliant or groundbreaking. In fact once Karl Jenkins took a lead, it sounded rather like other jazz fusion stuff. In fact, I know this is heresy, I have always prefered Ratledges solos to Holdsworth's or Etheridge s jazzy, arpeggio -addicted ramblings. Maybe it's just a style, but in guitar players I prefer Quicksilver Messenger Service story telling, restrained approach. (Happy Trails)
I'm a Wyatt era fan (what a pleasant surprise to hear "Joy of a Toy" again on this album) but I find at least something to fascinate me about every SM release. These guys even at their worst (Rubber Riff) were ahead of their time. "Other Doors" is already in my favorite 2023 albums!
I’ve been listening to it a lot last couple of days and although it’s not up-tempo once you get into the vibe it’s really a beautiful record with some intricate beautiful original playing. I’m digging the laid-back element of it and give it 4 maybe 4.5 stars.
As much as I love all Soft Machine, this is slightly disappointing, a little boring or laid back as Pete says. More structured compositions with more Etheridge guitar would be greatly appreciated.
Other recent new stuff (YT is playing games again & deleted my first post - one more try): Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos/Cheat The Devil - smokin' blues rock Hackberry/Breathing Space - prog Mike Walsh & Five To Life/Face The Music - the guy from very good AOR band Departure Duane Betts/Wild & Precious Life - somewhat disappointing, two good tracks: the instrumental "Under The Bali Moon" & "Cold Dark World" (Feat. Marcus King) Natural Child/Be M'guest - rock Tim Sund Electrified/The Future On Our Doorstep - good prog, I'm not huge on ELP but these guys keep the bombast in check
Kinda disappointing album for me. I liked "Back In Season" but that was it. In all fairness I'm not a huge fan of the band as generally speaking I'm not into the free jazz/avant garde stuff, My fave SM albums are Floating World Live, Bundles & Land Of Cockayne. The collection The Harvest Albums 1975-1978 is excellent
I was hired by the Softs for the 2024 US tour leg.
I was driver, Merch, comedic foil, load / unload yankee translator!
I saw the SOFTS on 12 of the 13 US dates. In all of those 12 shows, there were no less quality shows.
Vienna Va
Baltimore Orion Studio recorded
Sellersville, Pa
City Winery
Amherst Mass
Small batch winery Conn
Rutherford NJ ( progstock showcase series William Center
Palmer Mass ( video / audio recorded
Lowell
Albany
Liverpool NY
Rochester
SOFTS go on to Toronto, Ottowa, Quebec
The band featured several songs from Other Doors.
The 4 current excellent players in Soft Machine play together so fluidly, professionally, and with great exuberance shown to their fans!
I saw Soft Machine at the West End Centre in Aldershot, UK in 2018. Completely blown away by them, John Etheridge was incredible on Guitar. Looking forward to checking out the new album, thanks for the review.
Your review on Other Doors reminds me of the one you did on Einar Solberg where it wasn't as up-tempo as you had hoped for or expected, but at the same time you mentioned that there were several songs that you liked. I appreciate some fire and unpredictability, too, or variation, and even though there isn't a lot of that here, it still sounds like a great listen with it being Soft Machine. Thanks for your insights ahead of my first listen. I'll be getting a copy for sure when it's released in late August.
Thanks Pete, i will check this out, my favourite is Softs, if it's anything like that, i will be happy. Don't mind laid back as long as it's good.
True story: about 15 years ago I was in Louth, Lincolnshire.
While my girlfriend was looking at stuff in a shop off the main shopping street I stood outside. On the other side of the road was a man in a wheelchair who looked astonishingly like Robert Wyatt, but I thought "No way would he be in a rural backwater like Louth" so I didn't go over.
A fortnight later an article in the Sunday Times revealed that he had moved to Louth.
And my girlfriend was from Canterbury!
Another week, more new product. Listened to some excerpts of this with a mixed reaction. Really enjoy how the piano leads off the song Back In Season so going to give this some more time. The more 'laid back' approach is not too much of a concern since seeming to enjoy more of that type of music recently. Thanks, Pete, for another week of these new product shows. They are always must see, even when they have to be watched a few days after you post them to the channel..
Excellent review Pete !
Thank you for this review. I am a massive soft machine fan of their 70s music and I realize it’s not the same band although there are a couple of members that played in the 70s no original members but it’s almost like South machine has a tradition of changing membership, and it’s all rooted in the basic ethos of the bands, artistic vision. Last year I’ve really been getting back into Prog and Fusion. And suggests today I discovered that soft machine has this new album out so I’m excited to get to know it.
I agree! The original Canterbury band, going back to 1968. Of course there are no original members, but unlike most bands in that situation, this doesn’t bother me, because Soft Machine was always more of a musical philosophy. You join the group, you continue to push their psychedelic art rock with vocals forward into jazzy rock territory, then onto free jazz, and by the mid-70s ProgFusion! I have framed their “Third” album on my wall, and listen to it almost every night (to relax and sleep to). Funny thing. Some of the other Prog bands going today sound far more “Canterbury” than today’s Soft Machine. That’s because Other Doors continues their progression from ProgFusion toward instrumental avant garde jazz. Albeit a calm and more contemplative version, which makes for a very unique listening experience that I keep going back to. I really like this record.
Geez, I didn't know this release was happening. I'll listen to some clips, but I feel I'll like it from what you said. I kind of like their laid-back stuff, so... yeah. Thanks, Pete!
👍 The record concludes with the same ending as Slightly All the Time. Clever.
I totally appreciate what this lineup is doing. All these guys are talented as hell. Most Canterbury stuff post-golden era is, for me, a bit boring, but the Soft Machine guild in the last few decades has always had a little something up their sleeve. They seem to still have a touch of experimentation to them. I find their new takes on older tunes interesting, if a little pointless. I think the version of Joy of a Toy on this is pretty decent.
I come to these new releases with next to no expectations, considering that nothing can top the Wyatt era (in my humble opinion). Also, considering this lineup's extremely tenuous ties to the Wyatt era, and with the only remaining original members (Wyatt and Ratledge) retired from music altogether, it's a wonder that we get anything under the name Soft Machine. At least they aren't completely ruining their legacy the way other great classic bands did with rather tepid new releases (The Stooges, New York Dolls, etc) I'd say one of the other few classic bands that's still putting out worthwhile stuff is Wire.
I love this album. Laid back at times and on tracks like Whisper back and A Flock of Holes I wish they were longer. Also the double bass duo on Now is the Time is Stanley Clarke like which is fine by me and again I wouldn’t mind at all if they stretched it out. Etheridge is outstanding across the album and the angled opening of the Title track is some of the best sounds produced in years. Marshall’s. Drumming is exemplary, and as Pete says all musicianship is second to none. Other track highlights include Penny Hitch (revisited) , Crooked Usage and Back in Season. For me this is a 4.5 out of 5 album. This year we’ve been fortunate with bands around for half a century or more ( line up changes accepted and expected) putting out material the equal of some of their best over that period of time. An obvious example, albeit in a different genre, being Uriah Heep. Long may it continue.
Saw them touring this album, I I really like it I prefer it to the last album, Hidden Details. Just my opinion of course, very happy to have the album, in my collection.
Had no idea they were still going. Cool
I have enjoyed the latest Soft Machine releases but I miss the keyboard sounds that are associated with the Canterbury scene.
From what I have heard its ok.
The best tracks are the reboot of Penny Hitch and (nicely old school) Back in Season. It does get a bit too laidback in the middle though.
No bad Soft Machine albums ever but best as live band where they stretch out.
Very cool.
I've been listening to the title track for a month or so now, and am loving it! I'm OK with laid back and, Pete, remember that the average age of the band these days is probably pushing 80! Btw, I stumbled across Fred Theloneous Baker's solo guitar album the other day - really good!th-cam.com/channels/UF0C1qJwdL1uWdgOHKZtAw.html
I liked this, just like almost all of Soft Machines offerings, but does anyone agree with me that nothing since Fourth is brilliant or groundbreaking. In fact once Karl Jenkins took a lead, it sounded rather like other jazz fusion stuff. In fact, I know this is heresy, I have always prefered Ratledges solos to Holdsworth's or Etheridge s jazzy, arpeggio -addicted ramblings.
Maybe it's just a style, but in guitar players I prefer Quicksilver Messenger Service story telling, restrained approach. (Happy Trails)
I'm a Wyatt era fan (what a pleasant surprise to hear "Joy of a Toy" again on this album) but I find at least something to fascinate me about every SM release. These guys even at their worst (Rubber Riff) were ahead of their time. "Other Doors" is already in my favorite 2023 albums!
Remember Rubber Riff was recorded in one day !!!
John Marshall’s swan song with the band as he has retired and been replaced by drummer Asaf Sirkis who is a cracking drummer
I’ve been listening to it a lot last couple of days and although it’s not up-tempo once you get into the vibe it’s really a beautiful record with some intricate beautiful original playing. I’m digging the laid-back element of it and give it 4 maybe 4.5 stars.
Doggo!
Great Band! This is a really good release.
It's good, not as good as last studio album though, lacks some bite.
As much as I love all Soft Machine, this is slightly disappointing, a little boring or laid back as Pete says. More structured compositions with more Etheridge guitar would be greatly appreciated.
Other recent new stuff (YT is playing games again & deleted my first post - one more try):
Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos/Cheat The Devil - smokin' blues rock
Hackberry/Breathing Space - prog
Mike Walsh & Five To Life/Face The Music - the guy from very good AOR band Departure
Duane Betts/Wild & Precious Life - somewhat disappointing, two good tracks: the instrumental "Under The Bali Moon" & "Cold Dark World" (Feat. Marcus King)
Natural Child/Be M'guest - rock
Tim Sund Electrified/The Future On Our Doorstep - good prog, I'm not huge on ELP but these guys keep the bombast in check
Kinda disappointing album for me. I liked "Back In Season" but that was it. In all fairness I'm not a huge fan of the band as generally speaking I'm not into the free jazz/avant garde stuff, My fave SM albums are Floating World Live, Bundles & Land Of Cockayne. The collection The Harvest Albums 1975-1978 is excellent