Eclat, France

News: The band still actively posts, but no activity such as live shows or a new album since 2012's L'Esprit du Cercle. Last check: February 15, 2020.

Facebook

Location: Marseille

Overview: Eclat reminds me most of Minimum Vital, especially in regards to the energetic electric guitar and Medieval themed undertone.

UMR notes

Spettri, Italy

News: Given the age of the band, I wonder how much activity we will see from them again. But it's nice they had this one great moment in the sun! And as I update this post, they are still posting away. So who knows... Last check: February 15, 2020.

Website

Samples

Facebook

Location: Florence

Overview: For a band well into their 60s, it's fascinating to note how they have managed to capture the spirit of their youth. Their "debut" album (not counting archival) would hold up well in 1973 much less today!

UMR notes

Obskuria, Germany-Peru-USA

News: Their facebook page hasn't been updated since 2012, so it appears this side project is on ice for now. Last check: December 26, 2018

Facebook

Samples

Location: Mannheim

Overview: An international collective that is a fine example of instrumental Krautrock, with Hammond organ starring in a major role, and some fine acidic guitar leads with tribal drumming.

UMR notes

Gerard, Japan

News: No news since 2014. Last check: December 26, 2018

Website

Samples

Location: Tokyo?

Overview: Gerard are a long running symphonic progressive rock band lead by keyboardist Toshio Egawa. I presume they are still a functioning unit, though the last activity I could find is 2015. Not sure if they have a Facebook page, but I couldn't find one if they do. Their Fan Page recently shut down. My history with the band goes back to their very beginning, and I once owned their first two albums on LP. I sold them years ago. In addition, I have heard Irony of Fate and Pandora's Box, but never owned them. I currently only possess The Ruins of a Glass Fortress and Live in Marseille. No matter if I ever buy more Gerard, or not, for certain this album will be a keeper deep into my lifespan.

UMR notes

Mooch, England

News: Seems the band has disappeared with the Facebook account deleted. Last check: December 26, 2018

Location: Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Overview: Space rocking Mooch have been kicking around for over 20 years now, so it's a bit surprising that my first encounter with the artist/band is on their latest release. In the deep recesses of my mind (where no one dare goes), I do recall some exposure to In Search of the Acid Metal Grille, but not enough to rate or report on. Mooch were from the second wave of UK festival psych space rock warriors - coming around as they did in the early 1990s. As such, you'll hear a combination of Soma, Mandragora, and Ship of Fools.

UMR notes

Grey Mouse, Russia

News: In 2017, the band spoke of recording new material. But nothing since. Last check: February 15, 2020.

Samples

Facebook

Location: Moscow

Overview: Here's another exciting space rock band emanating from the far Eastern European region, this time coming from Russia. They can best be described as Central Asiatic ethnic music meets psychedelic space rock - with female vocals. Somewhat like a meeting of Vespero and Ole Lukkoye.

UMR notes

Ampledeed, USA-California ***Inactive***

Canterbury styled; Alt rock

All of their former internet presence has been wiped away.

UMR notes

12/1/13 (new entry); 7/27/16 

Neverness, Spain

News: Neverness has reformed and started recording in September 2019. No news since. Last check: February 15, 2020.

Website

Samples

Facebook

Location: Valladolid (Northwest Spain)

Overview: Neverness are a band who are heavily influenced by mid to late 70s Pink Floyd.

UMR notes