Another great review!

German review site Babyblaue Seiten liked our CD so much they gave it a second good review – this one from Jochen Rindfrey!

Das Rad? How does a British band get such a name? Including partially German titles? Anyway, such a British trio is called around the busy Martin Archer, who already excited my ears with Combat Astronomy and Orchestra of the Upper Atmosphere, and is active in several other projects. Das Rad is another that has been active since 2016 and released its first album in the fall of 2018. In addition to Martin Archer, who mainly contributes various woodwind instruments, include drummer Steve Dinsdale (also a member of the aforementioned Orchestra of the Upper Atmosphere and the electronics group Radio Massacre International) and guitarist Nick Robinson.

The musical goal of the trio is described on its homepage as “exploring a motoric vein” , and that suits it pretty well. The rhythm is in fact rather straightforward which drives the music stoically. There are all sorts of escapades of brass and guitar, supplemented by some electronic sounds. Often they go into jazz-rocky areas, occasionally with slight Canterbury influence, also influences of the newer King Crimson (especially in Tenser ) and every now and then some electronic Krautrock. The latter can dominate in stages and dissolve the music into largely free, cosmic, wafting sounds; not cozy drifting as so often with the old Krautrockers, but here with corners and edges.

Nevertheless, the music never seems too abstrract, and despite some excursions in avant-garde sound worlds remains predominantly relatively “accessible” (which melodic freaks might judge differently). For jazz and brass aligned listeners, the equally original and virtuosic instrumental program of Das Rad is strongly recommended. Incidentally, the logo on the CD, which is inspired by that of the legendary Harvest label, is also original.

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Jon Short

Starting with proto jazz-rockers March the Third and playing cello on a Pulp single, Jon Joined Nick in the 80s for a promising outfit called “Harriet”, with a singer who later wrote for Tina Turner and won awards. 

Sadly it fell through and Jon formed Deep Sky Divers, a feted ambient duo. 

Chosen by Das Rd not only for his consummate playing but also because his surname matched a letter from the band acronym!

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Nick Robinson

His early musical career included Typhoon Saturday, (who spawned chart-toppers “Living in a Box”)  who had a deal with Polydor and released 3 singles to minimal success.

Another band was Dig Vis Drill. Those that saw them in the early 80’s felt this band were destined for greatness. They had a unique and awesome sound, a live act second to none, they were confrontational, challenging, intelligent and fronted by motor-mouth Ogy McGrath, a cross between Woody Allen and Attila the Hun.

From the mid 80s, Robinson began to explore improvised music (supporting Archer’s band “Bass Tone Trap” at a local gig). His path led to his current main activity performing and recording solo, looped guitar soundscapes. 

You can check out his discography on his site, along with extensive information, audio, video and a blog covering midi, ableton and live looping amongst other topics. You can find more of his music on his Bandcamp page and his solo CD was released by Discus Music in 2022, attracting rave reviews from Adrian Belew, Steve Hackett and others.

Robinson and Archer had played a variety of gigs together in different formations so when Martin suggested bringing drummer Steve Dinsdale into the mix, Das Rad was born, later to be augmented by his old musical sparring partner Jon on bass.

Nick is one of England’s only professional origami artists, with over 100 books on the subject to his name.

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Steve Dinsdale

Drummer/Keyboardist cut his teeth on the Teesside and Sheffield music scenes  before moving to London in the late 80’s. Drummed with Honey Smugglers who recorded indie-classic single `Listen’ in 1990, and who are still asked regularly to appear on period compilations.

Joined T.V. Eye alongside ex-members of Eat and future celebrity-botherer and `Game Of Thrones’ star Paul Kaye. Gave up dreams of stardom after returning from holiday to find that said singer had gone off to live on a Kibbutz, and the guitarist was suddenly number one in the charts with a record he’d arranged for an unknown female singer with an eye patch.

Formed electronic improvising trio Radio Massacre International playing keyboards, electronics and drums with oldest friends and collaborators Duncan Goddard and Gary Houghton, who over a 25-year career have played dozens of concerts in the UK, Europe and USA as well as appearing on an MTV Europe co-host. The discography currently stands at some 60 or more releases including a trio of albums for acclaimed US label Cuneiform, and five solo albums made over the last ten years.

Performed as Drummer and/or Floor Percussionist with the Damo Suzuki Network on some half dozen occasions, one of which has led to a number of collaborations with Martin Archer including Orchestra of the Upper Atmosphere which was founded in 2009 and has since made four albums, and Engine Room Favourites the 10-piece Jazz ensemble.

And now…Das Rad.

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