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. (Abraham, from Santa Coloma Radio)