SOFTS

At that point , our dear MIKE RATLEDGE is but credited as a guest, playing sinthy on two pieces.It's clear he didln't realy agree the guitar arrival through the previous album ( BUNDLES) I think it's a huge waste for the band as much more that RATLEDGE,JENKINS combination was very fruitful on SIX , but according ETHERIDGE , MIKE was bored with the band and wanted to leave but stayed only because he was asked to. Happily , the music still is very good although, different from early SOFT releases.It's mostly composed by JENKINS and it's much more than a jazzrock virtuosity demontration even,if MARSHALL and ETHERIDGE has to be considered as virtuosos.What we have here are magnificent and colourful landscapes tinged with strong feelings.However , i think this record would have been better with ALAN HOLDWORTH on guitar . TOP PIECES aubade , tale of taliesin , ban ban caliban , song of aeolus , kayou , nexus.With BABBINGTON on bass , that means three ones from NUCLEUS and i did ever listen a single album from this band so sad. 4stars PS i must admit that i'm unable to decide if ESOTERIC remastered is better than my vinyl lp