ONDE, QUANDO, COMO, PORQUÊ, CANTAMOS PESSOAS VIVAS

Quarteto 1111's sound evolved a lot over their existence, with their roots being in psychedelic pop, but this swansong is unambiguously a stab at symphonic prog combining extensive use of electronics and synths by José Cid (who'd go on to have his own solo career evolving on this style) and a mellow, pastoral style. It would sit particularly well amidst the Italian prog scene, which by this point had effectively developed a southern European twist on the genre.

The band may well have been deliberately pushing for a modern, outward-looking sound taking into account movements beyond Portugal at this time, since at the time they went into the studio the hardline regime that had run Portugal for years was in the process of unravelling, and the Portuguese transition to democracy was beginning; the air of wistful optimism running through the piece certainly suggests a band excited by the possibilities of a more open future.

The album consists of one epic piece running across its two vinyl sides, weighing in at a shade less than half an hour, and whilst José Cid is perhaps overall the star player, the whole ensemble offers something. António Moniz Pereira in particular having some dynamite moments on guitar when he lets rip (such as in the last five minutes or so of the first side and towards the start of the second side). On the whole, a nice little much-overlooked gem.