Quarteto 1111 - Quarteto 1111 (1970)

The self-titled debut album by the Portuguese band Quarteto 1111, released in 1970 on the Columbia/Valentim de Carvalho label, is one of the most important and daring manifestos in the history of Iberian rock.

The record revolutionized the local music industry, becoming a benchmark for the entire Portuguese progressive movement.

To understand this album, context is important: Portugal in 1970 lived under the harsh authoritarian dictatorship of the New State (Estado Novo) regime. Creative freedom was severely suppressed by censorship (Exame Prévio), so the release of such a progressive record was akin to an explosion. Moreover, almost immediately after its release, the album was banned by censors and removed from stores due to its socially charged and anti-war lyrics.

Despite the ban and modest circulation in its year of release, "Quarteto 1111" is today recognized as an absolute classic. It's a wonderfully atmospheric, poetic and profound record that opened the door to serious rock music for Portugal.