1984

1984 finds a solo Hugh Hopper presenting all-instrumental Orwellian Canterbury that will tickle the fancy of anyone who liked his contributions to Soft Machine's Third. Representing a somewhat more serious and experimental musical direction than was typical in early Soft Machine (though it flowered on Third if you discount Moon In June), whilst at the same time steering further away from more typical jazz-rock territories than Soft Machine were ploughing at the time, this album was long in conception and reveals that even as the Softs were becoming steadily more conventional, Hugh at least had the spirit of their glory days still strong in him. One can imagine the early RIO crowd listening very carefully and taking detailed notes.