Bachdenkel: The Cult Art Rock and Progressive Rock Pioneers

Bachdenkel was a British art rock and progressive rock band that formed in the late 1960s. While they never achieved mainstream commercial success, the group developed a dedicated cult following for their complex, ambitious music released on their own independent label.

Early career

The band originally formed in Birmingham, England, in 1968, evolving from an earlier group called U-No-Who. The core trio consisted of Colin Swinburne (vocals, guitar), Peter Kimberley (bass, vocals), and Brian Smith (drums), later joined by keyboardist Philip Pickett. They relocated to France in 1969, immersing themselves in the Parisian music scene and building a live reputation.

Breakthrough

Bachdenkel's breakthrough came with their self-released 1970 debut album, Lemmings, on the independent label Bacillus. The album's intricate compositions and philosophical lyrics captured the essence of early progressive rock. Despite limited distribution, it garnered critical attention and established their signature sound.

Key tracks

Lemmings - The sprawling title track from their debut encapsulates their early progressive rock ambition with its shifting time signatures and thematic depth.

An Appointment With The Master - This track from their second album showcases their evolution into a tighter, more song-oriented art rock approach.

The Settlement Song - A key piece from Lemmings, it highlights the band's ability to blend melodic sensibility with complex arrangements.

Bachdenkel followed up with their second and final album, St. Helena's Parade, in 1977. This release displayed a more refined, though still decidedly progressive, art rock style. The band dissolved not long after its release, leaving behind a small but influential discography that continues to be discovered by fans of the genre.

For listeners who appreciate the intricate sounds of Bachdenkel, similar artists from the UK progressive scene include Van Der Graaf Generator, who shared a taste for dark, lyrical complexity. Soft Machine explored similar jazz-inflected progressive territories. The early work of Genesis also provides a reference point for British progressive rock's narrative and musical ambition.

The music of Bachdenkel remains a valued part of the art rock and progressive rock legacy, featured on specialty programs dedicated to exploring the genre's rich history.