SEVEN

For most SOFT MACHINE fans "Seven" was a bit of a disappointment. The band has changed a lot here with Ratledge being the only original member left. In fact the other three members were once part of NUCLEUS, so this record may have more in common with that band than with SOFT MACHINE. This is more of a structured Fusion album with a lot of repetitive melodies. It's also more traditional fusion than the free form, experimental Jazz we're used to hearing from this great band. And I love it ! As febus mentions, the horns are not being used as much, instead we get 2 keyboardists, bass and drums that dominate the sound.

"Nettle Bed" is the uptempo opener to the album. I'm not sure what I like the best, the catchy melody or the fuzz bass. Everyone sounds amazing though, including the electric piano, synths and drums. "Carol Ann" is a beautiful track that reminds me of the album "Two Rainbows Daily". Beautiful music. "Day's Eye" opens with piano and drums as sax joins in. It settles 4 1/2 minutes in but not for long. Big finish. "Bone Fire" is a short track with more bottom end than usual. "Tarabos" is such a fantstic song. Love the way the sax plays over top of the drums and fuzz bass. Sax comes in too. The drumming late is incredible. "D.I.S." opens with a gong before we get some unusual sounds with no real melody.

"Snodland" has some nice atmosphere as the electric piano plays in the background. "Penny Hitch" is another favourite of mine. Again the atmosphere is incredible as drums, keys and sax stand out. Just a gorgeous track. It gets fuller 3 minutes in. "Block" just blows me away. There is so much going on here. I just like to listen to all the different sounds playing together. Excellent track. "Down The Road" is more laid back with a good repetitive beat. It becomes more raw sounding after 2 1/2 minutes. It blends into "The German Lesson" where the melody stops 15 seconds in and it becomes very atmospheric, almost Krautrock-like and spacey.This blends into "The French Lesson" where the same atmosphere and sound continues.

I know i'm in the minority here but for me this is a 5 star album. It has no average tracks, they are all amazing in their own way.This simply fits my Jazz tastes perfectly. I'm hitting the repeat button now. Goodbye !

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