SOFT MACHINE - SOFT MACHINE FOURTH 12" Vinyl LP Album

1971 French Release on BARCLAY Records with Textured Album Cover

Soft Machine's fourth album hit the scene like a sonic bomb dropped on the Canterbury landscape. 1971, man, that was a wild time for music. The Beatles had split, Jimi Hendrix was gone, and progressive rock was morphing into strange and wonderful new shapes. But even in that era of musical exploration, Soft Machine stood out.

The Canterbury Scene: A Breeding Ground for Musical Mutants

Soft Machine was born from the fertile soil of the Canterbury scene , a hotbed of musical experimentation where jazz, rock, and psychedelia collided. Bands like Caravan and Gong were pushing boundaries, creating sounds that were both challenging and exhilarating. Soft Machine was right there in the thick of it, a band of virtuosos unafraid to venture into uncharted territory.

Soft Machine Fourth: A Sonic Odyssey

This album wasn't just a collection of songs; it was a journey. A heady brew of jazz-rock fusion, with moments of sheer beauty and passages of mind-bending complexity. The band had shed its early psychedelic skin and embraced a more muscular sound, fueled by the twin engines of Elton Dean's saxophones and Hugh Hopper's bass.

The opening track, "Teeth," is a sprawling epic, a showcase for the band's instrumental prowess. It's a rollercoaster ride of shifting time signatures and dizzying solos, anchored by Mike Ratledge's swirling organ and Robert Wyatt's powerful drumming. But it's not all about technical wizardry. "Kings and Queens" is a gentle ballad, a moment of respite amidst the sonic storm. And "Fletcher's Blemish" is a quirky, playful piece that shows the band's lighter side.

Genre-Bending Mavericks

Soft Machine defied categorization. They weren't just a jazz band or a rock band; they were a force of nature, creating music that transcended labels. They were pioneers, pushing the boundaries of what was possible with their instruments. And they did it all with a sense of joy and abandon that was infectious.

Controversies and Creative Tensions

But it wasn't all smooth sailing. The band was notorious for its internal struggles and lineup changes. By the time of "Fourth," Robert Wyatt was on his way out, replaced by the equally talented Phil Howard. And the album's self-produced nature, while bold, might have contributed to some of its rough edges.

The Nuts and Bolts

The album was recorded in the autumn of 1970 at the renowned Olympic Studios in London, a space that had witnessed the birth of countless classic albums. George Chkiantz, the sound engineer, captured the band's raw energy and intricate interplay with remarkable clarity. The album's striking cover, a textured masterpiece designed by the Bloomsbury Group and photographed by Campbell McCallum, further enhanced its allure.

The Verdict

Soft Machine Fourth is a landmark album, a testament to the band's creative vision and fearless spirit. It's not an easy listen, but it's a rewarding one. It's a reminder that music can be both challenging and beautiful, and that the best bands are the ones who aren't afraid to take risks.

Soft Machine's "Fourth" is an album that demands your attention. Its complexity and experimental nature can be daunting, but within its intricate tapestry lie moments of brilliance that have captivated fans for decades. Let's explore three tracks that stand out as particular favorites.

1. "Teeth"

The album bursts open with "Teeth," a nine-minute odyssey that sets the tone for the sonic adventure that follows. It's a relentless assault on the senses, with each instrument vying for dominance. Elton Dean's saxophone wails and soars, weaving intricate melodies over a churning rhythm section. Hugh Hopper's bass lines are both melodic and propulsive, driving the music forward with relentless energy. Mike Ratledge's organ adds swirling textures and psychedelic flourishes, while Robert Wyatt's drumming is a whirlwind of polyrhythms and explosive fills. The track's constantly shifting time signatures keep the listener on their toes, creating a sense of controlled chaos that is both thrilling and exhilarating. "Teeth" is a testament to the band's virtuosity and their willingness to push the boundaries of jazz-rock fusion.

2. "Kings and Queens"

After the intensity of "Teeth," "Kings and Queens" offers a moment of respite. It's a delicate ballad, full of melancholic beauty. Dean's saxophone takes on a mournful tone, while Hopper's bass provides a gentle undercurrent. Ratledge's organ creates a shimmering backdrop, and Wyatt's drumming is subtle and nuanced. The track's simple yet evocative melody lingers in the mind long after it fades away. It's a reminder that Soft Machine was capable of great tenderness and emotional depth, even amidst their more experimental excursions.

3. "Virtually" (Parts 1-4)

The second side of the album is devoted entirely to "Virtually," a four-part suite that pushes the boundaries of improvisation and sonic exploration. It's a journey into the unknown, with each part offering a different perspective on the band's collective creativity. Part 1 begins with a hypnotic bass riff that anchors the piece, while Dean's saxophone explores free-form melodies. Part 2 introduces a more structured theme, with Ratledge's organ taking center stage. Part 3 is a showcase for Wyatt's drumming, as he propels the music forward with a series of complex rhythms and fills. Part 4 brings the suite to a close with a reprise of the opening theme, now transformed and reimagined. "Virtually" is a testament to the band's improvisational skills and their ability to create music that is both challenging and rewarding.

Conclusion

These three tracks offer a glimpse into the multifaceted world of Soft Machine's "Fourth." They showcase the band's technical brilliance, their emotional depth, and their willingness to explore the outer reaches of musical expression. Whether you're a seasoned fan or a newcomer to their music, these tracks are sure to leave a lasting impression.