Laik Tors is the third album from the Sheffield-based trio. It follows their eponymous debut and follow-up “Adios Al Futuro”, both of which featured in Prog Rock “Top 20” charts and helped establish the band as a vital voice in modern progressive music. Both attracted some enthusiastic reviews, neatly summarised by “they seem to encapsulate and deconstruct the entire history of British avant-rock in one fell swoop”.

This new recording is a natural progression, building on and refining their core sound, which features a combination of composed and improvised music. The trio have many overlapping musical influences and a shared love of improvisation. However, it is the melding of their individual styles that brings it together within a modern context.

Commentator Sid Smith says:

“Is it jazz? Is it rock? Is it folk? Is it prog? Is it electronica? The answer is all of the above and probably a lot more besides. Not that Das Rad care and neither should you. Energetic, incisive and infused with an inquisitive, passionate spirit, Das Rad create music that goes where it needs to. Do what you can to join them on that journey.”

Victoria Bourne - Vocals, Korg Kross Workstation Walt Shaw – Kit, hand percussion, gongs, home-made instruments

Melodies inspired by traditional English Folk Songs floating above the pointillistic abstraction creating a richly atmospheric, melancholic, brooding and beautiful sound. Living in a twisted folk landscape. The threads of percussion, voice and electronics weave together, at times blending, but sometimes colliding, creating a kaleidoscopic, often haunting soundscape.

More details

Today John Jasnoch visited Discus Music Studio - the first player to record here, other than myself, in 16 months. We recorded 105 minutes of improvised music for duo. John played acoustic guitar, 12 string guitar, electric guitar, oud, mandolin, banjo. I played saxello, sopranino, alto, tenor & baritone saxophones, flute, clarinet, bass clarinet and bass harmonica. Here's the view from behind my mic. As soon as logistics allow we will record again, this time as a quartet with Graham South on trumpet and Johnny Hunter on drums. A collation of these duo and quartet recordings will form a Discus Music release in 2022.

103CD - Pat Thomas / The Locals - Play The Music Of Anthony Braxton

Available here

Please find some time to listen to these four latest releases from Discus Music – a home for new jazz, leftfield rock, electronics and adventurous songforms.