20,000 MILES UNDER THE SEA

Very good, but obscure, band from Switzerland that released only two albums by the end of the 70´s (not to be confused by the eletronic german band of the same name). Their lack of success is understandable if you think that their debut was released in 1978, a time when prog was not the coolest thing in the world, to say the least! And they sound too much from the early 70´s for their own good. But the music inside this CD is great! What they sound like? Try to imagine Wishbone Ash with heavy keyboards. The musicanship is very good all through the CD and I was impressed by their vocal harmonies (again quite Wishbone Ash-like, but also they sound too 60´s on some parts).

The production is quite good for the time. Everything works on this CD, except its timing. Had they release it a few years before they would probably made it big! I liked the well balanced tracks with bluesy guitar licks, lots of tasteful keyboards (Hammond and synths, mostly) and a strong rhythm section. Although some tracks are better than others, none is bad. The opener 20,000 Miles Under the Sea and the epic Lost In Time are my favorites with hints of Eloy, Jethro Tull and (who else?) Wishbone Ash (including some of their twin lead guitars trademark). Unlike mostly bands that start almost as an imitation of their idols, Nautilus already showed they had their own sound, even if their influences were easy to tell.

Conclusion: a fine band that should not be forgotten. 20.000 Miles Under The SEa is a lost gem from the 70´s and it is a must have for anyone who enjoy a heavy prog band with lots of passion, technique and conviction. Oh, those were the times! . It is only unfair some few people heard about them. 4 stars.