Máquina!

Máquina! is a Barcelona-based Spanish progressive rock group active from 1968 to 1972. It is generally associated with progressive rock and psychedelic rock, and begins as Sisa’s backing band before developing its own identity.

Formation and early line-up

The group is formed by Jordi Batiste on bass and flute, Enric Herrera on organ, Lluís “Luigi” Cabanach on guitar, and Santiago “Jackie” García Cortés on drums. Its early line-up also includes Batiste on vocals and features two guitars at points in its development, with the group later going through several personnel changes.

Early recordings and significance

Máquina! records what is described as one of the first underground rock recordings made in Franco’s Spain, with its first single appearing in early 1969. Its first LP, Why? Máquina!, appears in 1970 and is noted for its striking cover art, which shows a clock coming out of a croissant. The image is understood as a call to wake up in Spain, and the record is presented as openly rebellious in the context of the dictatorship. Another Barcelona group, Tapimán, responds with the track “Don’t Ask Why”.

Sound and later line-ups

The group develops a high-energy Hammond-led psych/prog sound, often with two lead guitars. Two years later, it records a live album with a different line-up after both guitarists have left. That recording includes Carles Benavent on bass, a brass section, and mostly new material, with a bluesier sound that recalls Chicago Transit Authority.

Members and personnel changes

Across its run, Máquina! passes through a long list of line-ups. Musicians named in the group’s history include Jordi Batiste, Enric Herrera, Lluís “Luigi” Cabanach, Santiago “Jacky” García Cortés, J. Mª Vilaseca “Tapi”, J. Maria Paris, Álvaro Is, Emili Baleriola, Carles Benavent, Salvador Font, Carlos Avallone, Ricardo Solís, Juan Mena, Ramón Mora, Peter Rohr, Arta, and Hubert Grillberger.