A SUBTLE PLAGUE formed in the mid-80's at Bard college in upstate New York. Members include one New Yorker (Pat Ryan), three German born world-bred brothers (Benjii, Patrick and Christopher Simmersbach) and a lengthy string of drummers. With the recent addition of Munich born Magnus "Magi" Fleischmann on drums and departure of singer Analucia DaSilva (who shared vocals with Pat Ryan from 1990-1997) the nationalist balance of the group has officially tipped to 'kraut rock' status.

In 1987 they moved to Philadelphia by mistake. In Spring of 1988 they relocated to San Francisco where they currently reside between tours. They have been on Heyday, Harp, Komotion and Normal records. They are currently signed to World Service/Rough Trade in Europe. They have released four full length CD's, one EP, three 7" 's and have songs on numerous compilations. The influential German magazine Spex has called them Òthe best live band the U.S. underground has to offer." Therapy, Alice Donut, Iggy Pop, Noir Desir, Jesus Lizard, Sonic Youth, The Melvins, Feelies and Mudhoney are among some of the bands who have flyers proving they played with A SUBTLE PLAGUE.

Lee Hazlewood, Daniel Johnston, Gang of Four, Slovenly, Nick Cave, Bob Dylan and Hank Williams Junior.are some of the artists who's songs they have covered and released. That list reveals precious little of their own sound but is nevertheless illuminating. Somewhere between 9000 (Palais Du Sport in Marseilles opening for Noir Desir) and 2 people (Gabes Oasis, Iowa City, Iowa) demand entrance to each and every A SUBTLE PLAGUE show.

On October 20th 1997 Trocadero/ Rough Trade released Independent Study a retrospective CD covering material A Subtle Plague have released between 1986-1996.

SUBTLE PLAGUE:

Patrick Simmersbach - guitar, Benjii Simmersbach - bass,vocals, Christopher Simmersbach - guitar, Magnus Fleischmann - drums, Pat Ryan - vocals