Cassiber

Cassiber was a West German avant-garde musical group formed in Frankfurt in 1982. The band consisted of Christoph Anders (drums, vocals), Chris Cutler (drums, electronics), Heiner Goebbels (piano, sampler, vocals), and Alfred Harth (saxophone, clarinet, guitar, vocals).

Cassiber's music was characterized by its experimental and often dissonant nature, drawing influences from rock, jazz, contemporary classical music, and musique concrète. They frequently employed unconventional instrumentation, found sounds, and heavily processed audio. Their lyrics, often in German and English, explored themes of political and social commentary.

The band released a series of albums on Recommended Records, including Man or Monkey (1982), Beauty and the Beast (1984), The Language of Starlight (1992) and A Face We All Know (1990). Cassiber toured extensively throughout Europe and North America, gaining a reputation for their intense and challenging live performances.

Cassiber disbanded in 1992, with the members pursuing their individual musical projects. Heiner Goebbels went on to become a prominent composer and theatre director. Chris Cutler continued his work as a drummer, composer, and music theorist. Christoph Anders has remained active in various musical projects, and Alfred Harth has continued to explore experimental music and free improvisation.

While relatively unknown to a mainstream audience, Cassiber is considered a significant and influential force in the field of experimental music. Their innovative approach to sound and their commitment to challenging musical conventions continue to inspire musicians and artists.