by Richie UnterbergerHughscore is named after veteran prog-rock/fusion bassist Hugh Hopper, who plays in the band and writes much of their material. Their 1999 album Delta Flora is fusiony rock that's in the spirit of his past work in that style with the Soft Machine and other projects. Texturally it's more interesting and varied than many similar such efforts, incorporating free-form jazz, fuzz bass, some ominous electronic keyboards and synthesizer, and ambient passages that superficially bear some resemblance to new age music, but are far creepier. Hughscore vary between instrumentals and more melodic, approachable songs with lyrics, sung by keyboardist Elaine di Falco (who also writes some of the tracks on the album) with a jazzy, measured presence.