Invisible
Biography
When Invisible quietly disbanded in 1979, few could have predicted that this Argentine rock trio would eventually be hailed as one of the most innovative and influential bands in Latin American progressive rock history. Their dissolution marked the end of a brief but extraordinary musical journey that had pushed the boundaries of rock music in South America and created a template for intellectual, jazz-influenced rock that would inspire generations of musicians.
The band's final album, "El jardín de los presentes" (The Garden of the Present), released in 1976, stands as their masterpiece and a towering achievement in progressive rock. This conceptual work showcased the trio at their most ambitious, weaving together complex instrumental passages with poetic Spanish lyrics that explored themes of time, consciousness, and human existence. The album's intricate compositions and philosophical depth represented the culmination of their artistic evolution, though it would sadly prove to be their swan song as creative differences and the challenging political climate in Argentina took their toll.
Invisible's second album, "Durazno Sangrando" (Bleeding Peach) from 1975, had already established them as masters of their craft. The record demonstrated their ability to seamlessly blend Canterbury scene-influenced progressive rock with distinctly South American sensibilities, creating sprawling instrumental epics that showcased Luis Alberto Spinetta's increasingly sophisticated guitar work and the rhythm section's remarkable interplay. Songs like "Elementales Leches" became underground classics, their complex time signatures and jazz-fusion elements setting them apart from their contemporaries.
The genesis of this remarkable sound could be traced back to their 1974 self-titled debut album, which emerged from the ashes of Spinetta's previous band, Pescado Rabioso. While that earlier group had explored heavier, more blues-based territory, Invisible represented a dramatic artistic leap forward. The debut album introduced their signature approach: lengthy instrumental passages, sophisticated harmonic structures, and a willingness to experiment with unconventional song forms that owed as much to King Crimson and Soft Machine as to traditional rock and roll.
Invisible was founded in Buenos Aires in 1973 by Luis Alberto Spinetta, already a legendary figure in Argentine rock through his work with Almendra and Pescado Rabioso. Spinetta, often called the Bob Dylan of Argentine rock, assembled a trio that included Carlos Cutaia on keyboards and Machi Rufino on drums. This lineup proved to be the perfect vehicle for Spinetta's increasingly complex musical visions, with each member contributing essential elements to their distinctive sound. Cutaia's keyboards provided lush harmonic textures and occasional lead voices, while Rufino's drumming combined technical precision with an intuitive sense of dynamics that gave their extended compositions both power and subtlety.
The band's musical style defied easy categorization, drawing from progressive rock, jazz fusion, and psychedelia while maintaining a distinctly Argentine character. Their compositions often featured extended instrumental sections that allowed for improvisation and exploration, yet they never lost sight of melody and song structure. Spinetta's guitar work during this period showed remarkable growth, incorporating jazz harmonies and unconventional techniques that would influence countless South American guitarists. His vocals, delivered in Spanish with poetic lyrics that often bordered on the surreal, added an additional layer of sophistication to their already complex musical tapestry.
Despite their relatively brief existence and limited commercial success during their active years, Invisible's influence on Latin American rock proved immeasurable. They demonstrated that South American musicians could create progressive rock that was both internationally sophisticated and culturally authentic, paving the way for future generations of experimental rock bands throughout the continent. Their albums became treasured artifacts among collectors and musicians, with their reputation growing steadily in the decades following their breakup.
The band's legacy was further cemented by Spinetta's continued prominence in Argentine music until his death in 2012. He frequently cited Invisible as one of his most creatively fulfilling projects, and the band's three albums remained among his most critically acclaimed works. In recent years, their music has found new audiences through reissues and streaming platforms, with younger listeners discovering the timeless quality of their innovative compositions.
Today, Invisible stands as a testament to the creative possibilities that emerge when talented musicians push beyond conventional boundaries. Their brief but brilliant career created a body of work that continues to inspire and challenge listeners, securing their place as pioneers of South American progressive rock and one of the most important bands in the history of Argentine popular music.
