Nattura were Iceland's representative of Europe's progressive rock slant on the psychedelic movement, especially those with female vocals. There's a strong focus on melody without compromising instrumental integrity. The compositions are well thought out, and it definitely belongs to the early 70s progressive rock scene. For some folks that means Magic Key is "commercial", though I would vigorously argue against that. Given that there are some male vocals, and Nattura are Scandinavian, perhaps Ruphus' debut New Born Day is the band's closest cousin. From a composition standpoint, I hear quite a bit of Sandrose, but the female vocals are more pleasant. In this way, Goliath or Affinity come to mind. One of the oddest aspects of Magic Key is the heavy use of synthesizer, such an early date for the instrument to be a feature - and especially from a remote country such as Iceland. In this way, Nattura reminds me of those Idahoan outlaws known as Salem Mass. So yes, Magic Key is for deep divers, and if you recognize the above associative name game, then you'll want to get on your flippers. Essential in my world.
Ownership: LP: 1972 private. Single sleeve. I was first offered this album at a Dallas record show (sometime in the early 90s) from a Houston based dealer that I used to buy from frequently. I had no idea what it was, and I was in no financial position to drop ~$100 on a spec buy. Even if I knew what it was, I couldn't afford that. Later in the decade (while now living in Denver), I traded for it from a fellow collector in Austin. I have to think he bought it from the same dealer. There couldn't have been too many copies of this private Icelandic album roaming around Texas right? And since that time, I've taken it back and forth from Texas to Colorado. It's not going anywhere (from my collection that is). This was a charter entry for my CDRWL. That problem was solved last year by Japan's Belle Antique. Not sure I'll be getting it (presuming no extras), but if I didn't own the album already, I would certainly spring for it.
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