NAUTILUS

KOZMIC MUFFIN´s first record is a great update of 60´s psychedelic rock and early progressive bands. The music on this record is mainly oriented to retrieve those old bands and sounds, althoguh the music on this record is not only a revival, but also a good example of creativity, provided that the instrumental background is not completely new. Far from technological arrangements and instruments, they are based mainly on classic electric guitars and Hammond organ.

The first song of the record, Andrew, is probably the most devoted song to their source of inspiration. Soft guitars and organ with some funky taste introduce the listener to their particular tribute to classic psych rock. But it won´t last too long, becuase Sun, Glass & Vacuum is much more elaborated, with atmospheric organ that creates a very delicate mood, despite the guitar solo in an accelerated middle section. Kozmic Muffin is quite different, very aggressive from the beginning, including distorted vocals at the end of the track, which is one of the most interesting pieces of the record. Bedlam returns to the quiet mood, with a middle section that reminds Kevin Ayers works, more melodic and pop oriented. Open MInds will give us back to the more intricate side of the record, with lots of distorted guitars and an organ that reminds me of Brian Auger in his funkiest way. And the best is yet to come with Eleusis, a lysergic title that properly fits this song: cosmic music meets Canterbury in a real progression from the almost atmospheric start to the fastest final of the song, which is also a great final for the record. The final breath reminds us the great effort they made not only on this song, but also on the whole disc. This record leaves the listener with a great feeling and the sensation that not everything was played in the old days. Although the sound is clearly classic, the overall sound looks somehow fresh and not really repetitive, which I consider one of the strongest points of this record. I strongly reccommend this record, although the vinyl LP version is nowadays a collector item.

KOZMIC MUFFIN were a cult psych/prog band,formed in 1992 and based in the City of A Coruna,Galicia in Spain,who released two album back in the 90's.''Nautilus'' was the debut of the band released in mid-90's on Man Records,a rather infamous and overlooked album back then,which earned some praise through the sand of time.

KOZMIC MUFFIN play some mix of Psych/Prog with hints from Heavy Rock,presented in six rather long cuts.The musicianship has an intense retro-feeling and is based on the hypnotic guitars of Pedro Granell and the monster organ waves of Enrique Otero.Sometimes the sound gets more aggresive as Granell's both guitars and vocals explode,while I can't help of thinking of PINK FLOYD in all their aspects in a couple of tracks.Compared to them KOZMIC MUFFIN are less melodic and have a more powerful sound.The end of the listening finds me pleased to have listened to an underground name of the modern Psychedelic Rock scene,despite the obvious lack of originality.

This album could have easily been buried in time,but fortunately some hard-workers brought it up and that was a good thing.Far from essential,but fairly balanced and a great listening for all Floyd-ian fans out there.