STEAM

This is SOFT MACHINE LEGACY's second album and there is one major change from the debut and that is the addition of Theo Travis who replaces Elton Dean who had sadly passed away in between records. Man if your a SOFT MACHINE fan you really should check this band out. They haven't lost that edge or that adventerous spirit at all,and that's what makes these studio and live releases from SOFT MACHINE LEGACY so great.

"Footloose" opens with some atmosphere as sounds come and go including sax. Bass takes over after a minute then the drums and sax return.The guitar also joins in but the sax leads until 5 minutes in when the the guitar and drums share the spotlight. Fuzzed out bass from Hopper joins in as well. Check out the sound 6 1/2 minutes in.The sax is back a minute later. Fantastic tune. "The Steamer" opens with drums then a full sound with sax leading. I like when it settles in around a minute. The guitar and fuzz bass start to lead before 3 minutes. Sax is back a minute later. "The Big Man" is differnt as we get a heavy sound with the guitar, bass and drums digging deep.The sax starts to wail. How good is this ! It settles back 4 1/2 minutes in to end it. "Chloe & The Pirates" is a cover of their own song from the "Six" album. This sounds so good. Quite dreamy and relaxed, it's just a pleasure to listen to.

"In The Black Room" is kind of funky with bass, drums and sax standing out. It's lighter too. I like it much better after 2 1/2 minutes as the sound gets more passionate and imaginative, especially the guitar from Etheridge.The earlier soundscape does return though. "The Last Day" is a taste of insanity including crazy flute and guitar expressions. I like it. "Firefly" is flute led until the drums take over as Marshall puts on a bit of a show after 2 minutes. Some guitar 4 1/2 minutes in then the flute returns.This is my least favourite tune. "So English" meanders along with no real melody as flute, guitar, drums and other sounds contribute. Sax before 6 1/2 minutes. "Dave Acto" is experimental then the sax starts to blast around a minute and the guitar and drums become more prominant too. A guitar led melody kicks in after 2 1/2 minutes. Sax leads 4 1/2 minutes in. "Anything To Anywhere" opens with some mellow sax then a full sound kicks in before a minute.This is refreshing to me for some reason. It settles back after 2 minutes with the sax leading then it kicks back in. Excellent !

I have to give Theo credit here as he was very active in this recording not only with his talented playing but he composed three of the tracks himself and helped out with three others.These guys are still very much relevant.