Os Mutantes

Os Mutantes

Os Mutantes are a Brazilian psychedelic rock band formed in São Paulo in 1966 during the Tropicália movement. The original lineup consists of Arnaldo Baptista, Rita Lee and Sérgio Dias, and the group begins as a trio when it performs on the TV Record programme O Pequeno Mundo de Ronnie Von. Before adopting its final name, the band uses the title Os Bruxos; the name Os Mutantes is chosen after a suggestion linked to the book O Império dos Mutantes by Stefan Wul.

Style and importance

The band is one of the main groups in Brazilian rock and one of the leading exponents of new MPB influenced by Tropicália. Their music mixes rock and roll with Brazilian musical and thematic elements, and they are known for using feedback, distortion, studio effects and other experimental techniques. Their work reflects influences from The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Sly & the Family Stone, alongside local Brazilian musical culture. Irreverence and musical hybridism are also characteristic features of the group.

Career

Os Mutantes remain active for twelve years before dissolving in 1978. During that period, they record nine albums. Two of these, O A e o Z and Tecnicolor, are released only in the 1990s, after the band has already ended. In 2006, the group reunites without Rita Lee or Liminha, with Arnaldo Baptista and Zélia Duncan on vocals. Arnaldo and Zélia leave the following year, after which the band is reorganised with other musicians and continues under Sérgio Dias, the only remaining member from the original lineup.

Legacy

After the later reissues and renewed attention around their catalogue, Os Mutantes are recognised on the national and international rock scenes as one of the most creative, dynamic, radical and talented bands of the psychedelic era and in the wider history of world rock.