Formed in Austin in the spring of 1968, New Atlantis united four standouts of the city’s progressive rock scene—Jim Mings (guitar), Mike Reid (piano and Hammond B3), Jay Meade (drums), and Danny Galindo (bass; formerly of The 13th Floor Elevators). All had previously contributed to Sonobeat’s Base sessions and were regarded among Austin’s most accomplished musicians of the era.
The group gained early recognition as first runner-up in the 1968 Austin Aqua Festival Battle of the Bands, finishing just behind the Sweetarts. Later that year, they recorded five tracks for Sonobeat Records at the Vulcan Gas Company, known for its cavernous sound. Highlights included I Got the Feelin’, Song for Suzanne, and a searing cover of Fire, featuring experimental effects from Rim Kelley’s custom Sonotone Black Box.
Although Sonobeat never released the recordings at the time, the sessions were remastered in 2018 by the Sonobeat Historical Archives, marking the 50th anniversary of one of Austin’s most
The group gained early recognition as first runner-up in the 1968 Austin Aqua Festival Battle of the Bands, finishing just behind the Sweetarts. Later that year, they recorded five tracks for Sonobeat Records at the Vulcan Gas Company, known for its cavernous sound. Highlights included I Got the Feelin’, Song for Suzanne, and a searing cover of Fire, featuring experimental effects from Rim Kelley’s custom Sonotone Black Box.
Although Sonobeat never released the recordings at the time, the sessions were remastered in 2018 by the Sonobeat Historical Archives, marking the 50th anniversary of one of Austin’s most
