MATCHING MOLE

One of the most representative bands of the Canterbury movement, Matching Mole paraphrases the French translation for Soft Machine (''Machine Molle'') and that's cause the man behind this project was Robert Wyatt, who had left Soft Machine in 1971 and launched his new group in October of the same year along with Quiet Sun's bassist Bill MacCormick.He made a great steal after proposing the keyboard place to Caravan's Dave Sinclair, while the line-up became complete with the addition of Phil Miller on guitar, formerly of Carol Grimes and Delivery.Between December 71' and February 72' they recorded their eponymous debut at CBS Studios in London and the album was released two months later (of course on CBS).

The opening side alone it's simply the absolute example of what Canterbury music was all about and, despite not being absolutely convincing or essential, it delivers a great deal of interesting music.From the smooth opener ''O Caroline'' and its ballad atmlsphere, where the star of Wyatt shines on vocals, drums and Mellotron, and the mellow, romantic followers ''Instant pussy'' and ''Signed curtain'' with the slight jazzy spices and the melancholic British Pop nuance to the abstract sound of ''Part of the dance'', the basic elements of the movement are all taped in here.Actually ''Part of the sound'' is quite long to present the experimentation of the group (and other local bands of the era) with its odd rhythms, jamming solos on organ and piano and powerful psych colors, an all instrumental journey of intense and loose Jazz Rock.The flipside doesn't differ much, except for being instrumental, for example ''Instant kitten'' is yet another solid instrumental proposal of psych-tinged Canterbury Fusion with full-blown electric piano, sparkling guitar work and even some notable, depressing flute strings at the end, one of the best cuts on the album.''Dedicated to Hugh, but you weren't listening'' follows the same vein, a collection of laid-back and fiery Fusion colors, but ''Beer as in braindeer'' is pretty experimental with instrumental weirdness on Avant-Garde-like percussion, organ and guitar distortions.''Immediate curtain'' is a serious closer, a long, orchestral, Mellotron-dominated outro with very discreet guitar experimentation in the background and overall a very cinematic, dark atmosphere.

This one contains the free spirit of Canterbury music in full display.The mood for experimental compositions, the loose jazzy techniques and the leftovers of British Psychedelic Pop.Not absolutely rewarding, but definitely a great document of the early-70's days in Kent.Warmly recommended.