THE SOFT MACHINE

Soft Machine's debut album is very important in historical sense. It is still no way Canterbury sound, but it is what will become Canterbury Scene very soon. All ingredients are here, but the listener should wait a bit till the brew will be matured.

Looking really - this album is very interesting early psychedelic album with lots of jazzy arrangements, freaky flower-power atmosphere, excellent bass, great musicianship in general. But music is still far not that excellent slightly psychedelic jazz rock you can find on their "Third" album. Much more Daevid Allen influenced sound, and possibly could be compared more with early Gong works.

I like some vocals there, great bass, very variable drumming, pleasant jazzy drumming and whole relaxed atmosphere. It is really nice album - no way masterpiece though. Anyway - everyone serious early psychedelia or Canterbury sound fan should hear this so important work.

I know some fans love this album even more than band's classic works ("Third", or some later). I can easily understand why - if you're more in proto psychedelic prog, and don't like complex jazzy sound, you will possibly like first two SF albums more than many of their later works as well.

In all cases - good album.