Matching Mole was an English rock band associated with the Canterbury scene, formed in October 1971 by drummer and vocalist Robert Wyatt. The name of the group is a French play on words of Soft Machine, Wyatt's previous band. The initial lineup consisted of Phil Miller on guitar, Dave Sinclair on keyboards, and Bill MacCormick on bass. Keyboardist Dave MacRae played on their debut album and became a permanent member in February 1972, with Sinclair leaving the group shortly thereafter. The band's self-titled debut album, Matching Mole (1972), features the vocal ballad "O Caroline" (1972) and instrumental pieces such as "Instant Kitten" (1972). Their second album, Matching Mole's Little Red Record (1972), was recorded in August 1972 and features a broader musical style that incorporates minimal music and experimental electronics. Wyatt dissolved the group shortly after the recording of the second album. Plans to reform the band in the summer of 1973 with Francis Monkman and Gary Windo were abandoned after a severe accident left Wyatt paralyzed. Subsequent archival live albums include BBC Radio 1 Live in Concert (1994), Smoke Signals (2001), and March (2002).
