Màquina!
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Defunct | 1972 |
| Headquarters | Barcelona , Spain |
| Products | Progressive rock, psychedelic rock music |
Màquina! (also spelled Máquina!) was a Barcelona-based Spanish band specializing in prog rock and psychedelic rock, active between 1969 and 1972. Recognized as trailblazers of progressive rock within Catalonia and across Spain, their debut album Why? is widely regarded as one of the most influential Spanish prog rock releases of the 1970s.
Overview
The origins of Máquina trace back to 1968 when they served as the backing group La Companyia, SL for performers affiliated with the folk collective Grup de Folk. Following the dissolution of Grup de Folk, Jordi Batiste and Enric Herrera transitioned towards rock music in 1969, spearheading a movement that left a lasting imprint on Barcelona’s musical landscape and marked a pivotal moment in Spanish progressive rock history.
Their initial EP, Lands of Perfection (released August 1969), showcased Jordi Batiste on bass and lead vocals, Enric Herrera handling Hammond organ and piano, Luigi Cabanach on guitar, and Jackie García on drums. Later that year, they issued a second EP titled Earth's Daughter, now featuring drummer Tapi Vilaseca.
The 1970 album Why?—also referred to as the "Croissant" LP—achieved recognition both domestically and internationally due to its innovative use of effects such as wah-wah pedals, fuzz distortion, and Hammond organ sounds. During the album’s recording sessions, Batiste departed to fulfill mandatory military service; Josep Maria París joined as lead guitarist while Cabanach took over bass duties and vocals. In September 1970, Enric Herrera also left for military obligations, prompting further lineup changes and a stint performing as a trio. By early 1971, original members had exited due to military commitments or relocation, with París eventually returning to Sweden. In response, drummer Tapi Vilaseca formed Tapiman to complete outstanding engagements.
While enlisted in the military throughout 1971, Herrera reassembled Máquina with younger musicians from Crac along with saxophonist Peter Rohr. This formation embraced jazz-rock alongside elements of blues, soul, and funk influenced by groups like Blood, Sweat & Tears and Chicago, expanding into an eight-member band featuring brass instruments and including future jazz bassist Carles Benavent. This period established Máquina! among Spain’s pioneering jazz-rock ensembles. Their final release, En directo, was a live recording from July 1972 that included guest vocals by founding member Jordi Batiste.
Discography
- Why? (1970)
- En directo (Live, 1972)
- Funciona (Archival release, 1982)