SOFTS

1. Aubade (1:51) is a little number played on sax and acoustic guitar. It is pleasant, sets the mood nicely. A good opener. (9/10)

2. The Tale of Taliesin (7:17) composition is constructed over the leading piano melody, which is present during almost all running time of the song (with exception of fast-paced middle section), much darker than the first song, is a contrast mood-wise. This feels like a gradually evolving ballad with excellent instrumentation by all of the band members. The middle section has an impressive guitar solo by Etheridge which builds tension that will resolve near the end in a grandiose manner. This is a fantastic song, my favourite on the album. (9,5/10)

3. Ban-Ban Caliban (9:22) is a very cool jazz rock/fusion track. It is an extended jam at 9 minutes in length, the arranging is very good, containing nice transitions between sections. You can tell it's gonna be a great number for live performances and further improvisations. John Marshall's drumming is the highlight for me here. (8,5/10)

4. Song of Aeolus (4:31) has a windy intro, it is a slow moving composition with melodic guitar playing and the dominating mood seems melancholic to me. It is beautiful though.(8,5/10)

5. Out of Season (5:32) is another slow tempo composition but a bit happier than the previous one. It also contains some playfulness mood wise. Appreciate the gentle guitar playing and piano melody at the very end of the song. (9/10)

6. Second Bundle (2:37) is a short electronic synth piece, a very relaxing transition to the next song. (4/5)

7. Kayoo (3:27) is the showcase moment for Marshall on this album, starting with intricate percussion sounds and evolving into a drum solo. Man, this guy is a beast on drums! The track blends into the next one. (4,5/5)

8. The Camden Tandem (2:01) is a duet of drums/guitar with Etheridge's shredding lines while Marshall compliments and adds percussion to his playing. Impressive! (5/5)

9. Nexus (0:49) is a short mostly keyboard oriented piece which serves as a transition to the next song. (4/5)

10. One Over the Eight (5:25) is a very energetic jazz-rock/fusion track, quite funky due to that bass by Roy Babbington. From the start I'm into the groove! Some tasty sax by Alan Wakeman takes the lead. Great playing by all members. Definitely one of the standouts on here. (9/10)

11. Etika (2:21) is a nice, pleasant acoustic playing by Etheridge to finish the album. (8,5/10)

Softs by Soft Machine is always a joy to listen to. Without keeping in mind from what Soft Machine era this album is and just by analysing the music on here, I have to say that artistry and playing on here is quite impressive, can tell it influenced a lot of modern prog bands. It is a very feel good record for me so there is some bias on my part.

I highly recommend checking this album out!

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