GASPAR

An obcure act from Athens, Greece, which later evolved into the legendary Τερμίτες band.PLJ Band was formed in 1977 by bassist/guitarist/singer Λαυρέντης Μαχαιρίτσας, bassist Δημήτρης Βασαλάκης and guitarist Pavlos Kikrilis, later to be joined by drummer Tolis Skamatzouras.The band self-recorded a 7'' vinyl EP in 1979, entitled ''Gaspar'', which was sold during their gigs.Reputedly it was pressed in 1000 copies and today the original vinyl remains a rare collector's item.

PLJ Band played a psychedelic-flavored calm Rock with emphasis in the alternating acoustic and electric guitars and the narrative vocals of Maheritsas, although his foreign accent is very apparent in the English lyrics, while the sound of the group was very mellow with limited instrumental passages and lots of atmospheric nuances.Hypnotic bass grooves, traditional tunes played in an electric version and smooth drumming were the basic components of their early material, which was doubled by the discreet acoustic textures.Some jazzy vibes and loose mood is evident in the electric guitars of Maheritsas, but this EP lacks in dynamics and energy.The recording quality is not exciting either, very muddy with a just bearable mix.The last track ''Transmigration'' is all instrumental with evident influences from the British Psychedelic Rock scene, based on a steady groove and some improvised guitar solos.

Musically the value of this rare release is very low.Historically it marks the first steps of an otherwise important group of Greek Psych/Prog.Notice that a same editing was used by Anazitisi Records with ''Gaspar'' eventually being re-released for all those starving to add this one in their collection, but never came across an original copy.