Nektar, the progressive band from Germany, was at the height of the developmental period for Progressive music way back in 1970. With the release of their debut, Journey To The Center Of The Eye (1971), they help to set into motion a share of the building blocks that contributed to the shape of Prog.
Nektar was a busy band, releasing music and touring to support each release relentlessly throughout the ’70s and ’80s. Like many of their peers, they were – and still are – well-regarded whenever Progressive music is discussed. And not only their music, but their album art was always excellent.
With a 40th anniversary of the band’s important Remember The Future (1973) being played out in concerts, it’s nice to know that the core band is still at it. Anyone that remembers the fantastic two part title tracks of the album extending out to nearly 40 minutes, then you know how great the music is.
On June 18, Purple Pyramid Records will release the band’s 13th studio album, Time Machine. The new album is their first in four years. It is expected to contain ten solid, some lengthy tracks, and will be issued in both CD and vinyl LP.
Okay, I will nitpick a little, but Nektar were/are an English band whose members met in Germany and decided to stay and record there.
Honestly, Bob, I thought they were German. My bad!
It’s a common mistake – their first label was also German.
They found an audience with their mix of early Floyd and Krautrock-stylings.
Nektar aside, it is an interesting question that this poses. How do you classify what country a band or artist comes from? Joni Mitchell and Neil Young haven’t lived in Canada for decades and released all of their classic works while living in the USA. I don’t know if they even have Canadian citizenship anymore. Canadian award shows still nominate them. Should they be? I personally don’t care where someone is from as long as I like the music, but I think there is an underlying pride factor, much like in Olympic sports, that attracts listeners. Perhaps food for thought?
Sounds like an interesting topic.