UHF ~ USA ~ Miami, Florida

Timeless Voyager (1981)

There's an obscure Chicago band called The Seiche (that recently has been reissued). When listening to UHF, I was reminded of The Seiche. At its core, both bands are heavily influenced by late 70s Rush, minus the epic aspirations. More of a streamlined approach, similar to how Rush would emerge themselves, but with a rawer edge that is to be expected on a private production. But Miami, Florida based UHF take it one step further by adding a bit of a metal component. There's a certain riffing style that identifies it as such, though it doesn't fit comfortably into what is generally known as heavy metal - even for the early date. In fact, it wouldn't be a reach to compare UHF to Manilla Road at this 1981 stage (again, minus the more grandiose compositions and themes). And it's not just hard rock and metal, but a very strong progressive component can be found, with unusual meter breaks, and well placed keyboards. 

Ownership: 1981 Rofer (LP)

No reissues exist as of 2/22/25.

7/29/10 (review); 5/11/17 (new entry)

Fantasy ~ USA ~ Miami, Florida

Fantasy (1970)

Miami, Florida based Fantasy are the sole representative from America on my Post psychedelic, proto progressive with female vocals list (OK, I've added more since). The odd thing is the premise for the list is based on American psychedelic music, but was generally carried forward into the 70s by Europe. While the usual suspects like Jefferson Airplane and Janis Joplin are rounded up for comparison here, this album is far more progressive than that might imply. Given the early date, the music ties closest to Julian's Treatment on Time Before This - as well as the Deram album by the UK group Room. Blues, jazz, and psychedelic rock with organ, guitar, and passionate female vocals are blended together for a fine timepiece. A good one.

Ownership: 1970 Liberty (LP). Gatefold. Everything is backwards per design.

1/31/16 (acquired / review); 10/23/25

10/29/16 (new entry)

Sincerely Antique ~ USA ~ Miami, Florida

Sincerely Antique (1973)

From Miami, Sincerely Antique is a mix of killer instrumentals, bluesy hard rock workouts with Gregg Rolie like vocals, and soulful Latin pop numbers similar to Malo's more commercial efforts. I like all of it, but the first two categories are more to my taste. Not quite as powerful as Chango or Dakila, but better than many in the genre like Broth or Azteca. Malo is a good barometer overall. Lots of great organ and loud guitar leads. A1 is an excellent instrumental opener and shows that Sincerely Antique mean business, with some killer organ and guitar. A2 is a good example of one of their more commercial efforts. It's a bit sappy, but I like it in a Malo sort of way. Like driving in a convertible lowrider through East LA. A3, A4, and B3 represent the third and final style of the album, where Sincerely Antique play a harder Santana rock style similar to their first three albums. A5 sounds like a track lifted from Abraxas and is a killer. B1 is the same tune that opens Santana III. B2 and B4 are traditional Latin pop songs, that folks from the Old Country are going to be fond of (my wife recognized them as favorites from her mom's generation). B5 closes the album in an absolute smoking way, similar to Chango. Makes you wish the whole album would have been like it. Though this closer is sadly too short.

Ownership: 1973 Funny (LP). Acquired in 2024.

2009 (CD acquired); 10/30/10 (review / new entry); 1/29/26 (update)