Crack (band)

Crack
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1977
Defunct	March 1980
Headquarters	Spain
Products	Progressive rock music, symphonic rock music

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Crack (band), available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 29 November 2025

Crack was a Spanish band specializing in progressive and symphonic rock, established in 1977 and disbanded by March 1980. They emerged during the height of Spain's progressive rock movement. Throughout this period, numerous groups—including Crack—encountered financial hardships as they chose to uphold artistic values rather than conform to mainstream radio trends. Factors such as limited access to quality sound equipment, evolving audience preferences, industry limitations, and internal disputes ultimately led to the group's dissolution.

History

Formed in 1977, Crack initially consisted of four members and notably did not include an electric guitarist. Later that year, Mento Hevia, original bassist Vidal Antón, and drummer Manolo Jiménez reunited with Alberto Fontaneda, a former law school peer from Oviedo. While composing "Marchando una del Cid," they sought to add a vocalist and flutist to their lineup. The band expanded with Rafael Rodríguez joining on guitar, followed by Alex Cabal replacing Vidal on bass, which enhanced the overall musical texture.

Album

Crack produced only one album, Si Todo Hiciera Crack ("If Everything Fell Apart"), recorded over five days at Audiofilm Studios in Madrid and released under Chapa Discos. Female singer Encarnación González ("Cani") contributed backing vocals on several tracks alongside Alberto Fontaneda.

The album was self-produced with minimal marketing support, as the label focused more on commercially viable genres amid the burgeoning 'La Movida' scene. Despite its symphonic and progressive nature, the record failed to gain substantial commercial traction.

Internal tensions combined with financial strain caused the band to break up in 1980. The album comprises seven tracks that fuse symphonic textures, Spanish musical influences, and progressive rock elements. The lyrics often draw from fantasy and mythology, unfolding in a narrative style reminiscent of fables:

- Descenso en el Mahëllstrom (5:27): Based on Edgar Allan Poe’s tale, it portrays a man’s perilous encounter with a whirlpool. - Amantes de la Irrealidad (6:15): A symphonic composition featuring tempo variations and Mellotron passages that convey an idealistic quest for happiness. - Cobarde o Desertor (4:56): Explores themes of conscription and militarism impacting young people during that era. - Buenos Deseos (3:54): A brief, reflective piece. - Marchando Una del Cid (7:45): An epic track inspired by El Cid’s exile and last days, incorporating medieval musical motifs. - Si Todo Hiciera Crack (10:11): The title track uses the metaphor of a hamster running endlessly in circles to address existential questions. - Epílogo (2:19)

Musical style

Predominantly instrumental, Crack’s sound is rooted in symphonic progressive rock marked by complex arrangements that avoid repetitive choruses in favor of ongoing musical evolution. The fluid integration of keyboards, guitar, and flute blends European progressive rock traditions with a uniquely Spanish character.

Drawing inspiration from groups such as Genesis, Camel, and Jethro Tull, Crack infuses Spanish musical elements within extended instrumental sections featuring irregular time signatures and distinctive synthesizer textures. Their approach aligns with classic European progressive-symphonic rock, focusing on melodic expression and interpretive subtlety while often evoking themes related to freedom and pastoral life. The band described their music as "impressionist," citing harmonic influences from composers like Debussy and Ravel.

Legacy

Although Crack's time together was short-lived, their album has become a fundamental reference within Spanish progressive rock. It has undergone several reissues, particularly in countries such as Japan and South Korea, reflecting ongoing enthusiasm from prog rock audiences. The group is acknowledged for their innovative input during a period when progressive music faced significant obstacles in Spain.

Band members

Alberto Fontaneda: Guitar, vocals, flute
Mento Hevia: Vocals, keyboards
Alex Cabal: Bass guitar
Manolo Jimenez: Drums
Rafael Rodriguez: Guitar

External links