It’s been five years since Soft Machine released their last studio album, Hidden Details. That’s a rather leisurely pace compared to back in the 70s, when bands signed to major record labels found themselves under a contractual obligation to put out at least one, sometimes two records a year. These days, operating in the independent sector, those kinds of external demands have all but disappeared. Nevertheless there are other pressures and considerations to take into account, according to John Etheridge, Soft Machine guitarist and de facto leader of the group.
“I was personally very keen to get this album done because I really felt it was our last chance to have John Marshall in the studio,” he says, speaking about the drummer he first worked with in Soft Machine after replacing Allan Holdsworth in 1975. “We’ve worked through the years together intermittently ever since. His drumming always meant a lot to me.”
Something of a legend among industry circles and very. Marshall’s ability to reconcile freer percussive ideas with his clarity, articulation and driving force would frame the group’s rhythmic impetus and definition. Beset by health issues, Marshall decided to retire at the age of 81, so Etheridge urgently wanted to get the new album, , in the can before then. “We booked into the studio for five days, but John was only able to do the first three. However, they were three really good days and we had enough to be able to finish the album. John sounds terrific.”
