In June 2023, Soft Machine released the new studio album Other Doors, which was recorded with John Marshall before he retired from music. Marshall died on 16 September 2023. As of January 2023, the line-up of Soft Machine was Etheridge, Travis, Baker and drummer Asaf Sirkis. They embarked on a seven-date UK tour beginning on 3 February 2023 at the New Cross Inn in London and ending on 26 May 2023 at City Varieties in Leeds. The band began touring again in November 2023 with dates booked until November 2024.
Prog Archives review: “Other Doors by Soft Machine is easily a five star rating. It’s everything you would expect from this great, great, band.I think the band is improving with ageless grace. Let me begin: “Carless Eyes” flute intro; pensive guitar; notes echo over. keyboard vibes in heavy echo. This piece is short; somewhat like Jade Warrior’s later work. A very tranquil third world atmosphere which leads into “Penny Hitch” (previously on “Seven”). The tempo i slower with ample space for each instrument to solo in former bassist Roy Babbington plays on this track and “Now, is the Time.” The new bass player is Freddy Baker who adds his own rhythmic spins to the music. Freddy could possibly be Fred Baker (previously played with Dave Stewart, In Cahoots, and other releases. Maybe. “Other Doors” begins with guitar intro followed by horn from Theo Travis (previously played w/Fripp, Tangent). The pace is measured, relaxed with John Marshall’s drum fill accents.”
