Matching Mole, the 1972 debut album by Matching Mole, a cult band from the Canterbury Scene.
The band was founded in 1971 by Robert Wyatt, who was also the band's leader and principal composer, after leaving Soft Machine. Wyatt also gave the band a name derived from the French translation of "Soft Machine," Machine Molle, as a tribute to his predecessor.
Their music is progressive rock, with jazz influences and a strong avant-garde component, with an emphasis on experimentation and improvisation, using distorted organ and mellotron to create unique and dissonant atmospheres.
A style not far from that of Soft Machine, but with a sound, melodies, and vocals that would characterize Wyatt's solo work. Wyatt left Soft Machine precisely because he wanted to give more space to his vocals, in contrast with the band.
The initial lineup for this album consisted of Wyatt, Dave Sinclair (formerly of Caravan) on keyboards, Phil Miller on guitar, and Bill MacCormick on bass. The lineup also featured guest appearances by Dave McRae (Nucleus) on electric piano.
On the next album, Dave Sinclair was replaced by David MacRae.
The songs alternate between sometimes atonal and chaotic instrumental improvisations and more melodic and structured moments.
This album contains their most famous song, the ballad "O Caroline," written by Wyatt and Sinclair. This is an emotional, moving song that Wyatt dedicated to his wife, featuring great organ work by Sinclair, with Wyatt on vocals and piano.
"Instant Pussy," a song with beautiful vocals by Wyatt.
"Signed Curtain," one of the album's standouts.
"Part of the Dance," is part of the jazz fuzion sound, raising the tempo of the album, with great bass and a great song.
"Instant Kitten," beautiful with a driving melody and a tense atmosphere, great keyboard and guitar work. A fusion of reversed tapes, vocal improvisations, and distorted organ. A standout track.
"Dedicated To Hugh, But You Weren't Listening," a tribute to Hugh Hopper (a response to "Dedicated To You, But You Weren't Listening" on Volume Two by Soft Machine). A psychedelic song with great guitar and organ. The song begins with dark ambient sounds and evolves into a jazz-rock improvisation. A beautiful piece.
"Beer As In Braindeer" is a piece with a lot of experimentation, involving all the instruments in the experimentation with free and atonal instrumental interventions, creating a confusing atmosphere, which is a beautiful atmosphere.
"Immediate Curtain" features the mellotron, with an intense and tense sound. Focused on the mellotron sound, it fades into a dark and aggressive atmosphere.
Despite the limited commercial success of this album, I consider it one of the best from the Canterbury scene, containing songs with different moods, the first more melodic tracks, and then the entrance of jazz with fusion, psychedelic, and experimental accents.
A fundamental album in Wyatt's career and for the Canterbury scene. A must-have for your collection.
Tracks
1. O Caroline (5:06)
2. Instant Pussy (2:59)
3. Signed Curtain (3:06)
4. Part of the Dance (9:16)
5. Instant Kitten (4:58)
6. Dedicated to Hugh, but You Weren't Listening (4:39)
7. Beer as in Braindeer (4:02)
8. Immediate Curtain (5:57)
Running Time 40:03
Bonus Track
Memories Membrane (11:16) previously unreleased
The Lineup
- Robert Wyatt - vocals, drums, piano, Mellotron
- Phil Miller - guitar
- David Sinclair - Hammond organ, piano
- Bill MacCormick - bass
Featuring:
- Dave McRae - electric piano
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