Quatermass

Quatermass are a UK progressive rock band from London, active between 1969 and 1971. The group consists of John Gustafson on bass and lead vocals, J. Peter Robinson on keyboards, and Mick Underwood on drums. They form as a power trio and stand out in progressive rock for not using a guitarist, instead building their sound around organ and bass guitar as lead instruments.

Career and style

The band form in September 1969 after the three musicians meet while playing in Episode Six. Their name comes from the BBC science fiction serials Quatermass. Their music combines progressive rock and hard rock, with a heavily electronic approach that earns them descriptions as a band of the future in contemporary press coverage. Their first single, Black Sheep of the Family, shows the group’s harder-edged style and Gustafson’s rough vocal delivery.

Album and legacy

Quatermass release only one album during their original run, their self-titled Quatermass in 1970. It is later regarded as a prog classic, and original copies become highly valued. Although the album initially receives mostly negative criticism, it is later reassessed more favourably. The band play a number of live dates before splitting up, with poor sales contributing to the end of the group.

Later activity

In the 1990s, the name returns as Quatermass II, with Mick Underwood as the only member from the original line-up to remain. John Gustafson contributes some songs to that project. Quatermass II release one album, Long Road, in 1997 before disbanding again at the end of the decade.