Modulos - Grandes Exitos (Reissue) (1977-80/1988)

One of the pioneer bands of the spanish progressive. The sound is close to the italian bands of the same time. It is remarkable the organ everywhere and the violin arrangements.
Carlos

Modulos was an extraordinaire band formed in 1969, unfortunately too late for the classic rock of the 60's and when the spanish labels were not decided for supporting the winds of change coming from the outside. Modulos created an own and distinctive sound without loosing the commercial punch (mainly thanks to the talent of the "magician" Rafael Trabuccelli). In their sound they mixed the inherence of 60s' spanish pop español with the intensity of Vanilla Fudge, the Cantatas of J. S. Bach or the delicious touch of Le Orme. That exceptional band was formed up by Pepe Robles, singer of a very large register, composer and remarkable guitarrist. The rhythm section was for other two talented players: Emilio Bueno on bass and G. Reyzabal on drums and also on violin. Finally the chief on Hammond was Tomas Bohorque, howling like never heard before. In addition he played accordion and triangle, providing a characteristic "clinc".

Innovative and avant-garde, they take care of their sound to the maximum. They were very professional (the first having an office in Madrid). Their first presentation was prepared until the smallest details. But that was never recognised. Too hard for their time, with too weak words compared to those of bands caming later. Their influences could be found in bands like Vanilla Fudge, Cream, Young Rascals, italian progressives and lately Yes, but their hippism led them also to the west coast bands. They were pionneers and really good. Not an usual band.

Their first three singles become hits but it was their first LP their actual "hit". I will never forget the first time I heard it. Pure velvet, round in shape and content. For the first time in Spain a band gave more importance to the Long Play than to the singles. No one can miss hearing it.

One year later (1971) "Variaciones" was released. More optimistic than the former, more "hippy", those nine songs kept a high level.vuelven a mantener un nivel tremendo. In 1973, after another nice single, they made "Plenitud", thir best album for many people. Anyway, some changes were present that I didn't like. Pepe was not at his best in vocals (he was on guitar) and it seemed that the keyboards tried to sound like Yes without achieving their goal. It seemed that they were trying to experiment into progressive rock.

1974: what a pity!. "Modulos 4" points to the other side. Even Reyzabal seems tired when playing drums. It has its moments, but clearly their label (Hispavox) wants another thing. It's decadence. Just when Yes, Genesis, Deep Purple or Pink Floyd were at their best. After a number of line-up changes (Chupi on drums, Sherpa on bass) and singles they released a last LP through Olympo. Another surprise: very well ellaborated songs with 70s' sound lacking only a bit of luxury touches (Olympo was not prepared for that).

Unfortunately history was not fair with them. Medina Azahara made three cover of their songs. Here is my tribute to one of the best spanish bands of all times. I will never forget you.