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Das Rad — Funfair
(Discus Music 180, 2024, CD / DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2024-09-20

Funfair Cover art

Martin Archer’s Discus label has been very active lately, and we’ve covered quite a few of their releases, ranging in style from wildly experimental (Matthew Bourne) to free or near-free jazz (Paul Dunmall) to all sorts of places beyond and in between. Das Rad is a band that self-identifies as “improg,” and the term means exactly what you might think: a combination of progressive rock and improvisation. Archer himself is on woodwinds and keyboards, Steve Dinsdale plays drums and occasional keyboards, Nick Robinson plays guitar, Jon Short is the bassist, and on vocals they have Peter Rophone. Funfair is their fifth full-length release since their inception in 2016. I’m unfamiliar with their previous work, but on this release they hit a sweet spot for me, at times presenting composed sections that are more or less song-like (a bit like a gutsier version of No-Man), and at other times drifting off into jazzy space (not far removed from Bitches Brew). They are also not interested in coddling listeners — Funfair kicks off with a continuous medley of four pieces that runs just under 31 minutes. The progressive rock side of their sound does not derive from symphonic rock, so you’ll hear no Genesis or Yes in the mix; there might be some Pink Floyd, but references like Camel and David Sylvian are more on point, with an occasional hint of King Crimson (especially if you think of Lizard or Islands). Each track presents a different aspect of the band’s sound, with some ranging more into the floating improv and others tending more towards the song-oriented side, be it a melodic ballad or an upbeat workout. “Dream of Golden Sun” is a particular standout; its quirky rhythm is built around a loop of staccato notes, and Rophone sings a languorous melody over the busy backing, and I’m reminded a little of David Bowie’s Blackstar. “One Star Away,” on the other hand, puts breathy vocals over jazzy guitar chords and subtle strange echoes, maybe a bit like a Scott Walker tune with a different style of singer. “Grimbling” is built on a dissonant riff and features some great sax arrangements plus a fun interlude for bass with effects. There’s another multi-part suite, this one leaning towards the jazzy side, and they finish off with “The Empress at Home,” a gentle, stuttery improvisation. Das Rad is highly recommended for anyone looking for a very human and artistic take on progressive rock.

As an aside, I can’t help mentioning an album from 20 years ago called Improg by Daimonji.

Filed under: New releases, 2024 releases

Related artist(s): Martin Archer, Das Rad

More info
http://discusmusic.bandcamp.com/album/funfair-180cd-2024

 

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