Thirteen Double Vinyl

039Thirteen039 features legendary guitarist John Etheridge , who has been with the band over 50 years and is once again in superb form. Whilst all four members of the band contribute compositions, the album039s main composer is saxophonist, flautist and keyboard player Theo Travis, who wrote six of the album039s thirteen tracks. The newest member of the group is drummer and composer Asaf Sirkis.34Daevid039s Special Cuppa34 sees a cameo by founder member Daevid Allen his guitar part being recorded years earlier, and the track built around it.The album is incredibly broad in its breadth and scope. Tracks include 34Open Road34 a rocky track which sees the band soaring on all burners with fiery solos by both Etheridge and Travis the ballad 34Disappear34, which starts with ethereal looped flutes and develops into a beautiful piano led and drum less miniature. 34Turmoil34, penned by bassist Fred Thelonious Baker , brims with deranged fuzz bass, manic solos and an almost unhinged clamour.On 039Thirteen039 Soft Machine has never sounded more adventurous.