Other Doors is Soft Machine's first studio album since 2018's Hidden Detail and marks a new chapter in the history of the legendary band (both an ending and a beginning).

 

This album sees the final studio appearance of drum legend John Marshall, who has decided to retire due to ongoing health issues. The album also sees the introduction of bass player Fred Baker (Hugh Hopper / Phil Miller) to the band following the retirement of Roy Babbington. John Etheridge and Theo Travis complete the line-up.

 

Comprising new material and a reimagining of two Soft Machine classics - Penny Hitch and Joy of a Toy - Other Doors includes atmospheric improvisations, psychedelic free jazz, burning jazz rock, screaming guitar, hypnotic looped alto flutes, fretless bass grooves, powerful drums and experimental electronic music.

 

Soft Machine continues to pursue its musically ambitious, wide-ranging, jazz based music without boundaries.

 

Cover image by Lasse Hoile and design by Carl Glover.

 

180g turquoise double vinyl version.