Thinking Plague

The Profile

Thinking Plague is an American avant-rock group led by composer/guitarist Mike Johnson, active since the early 1980s. The band is associated with the RIO scene and has releases on Recommended Records (ReR) and Cuneiform. Key collaborators and members mentioned in reviews include Suzanne Lewis (vocals) and Bob Drake.

Review mentions Mike Johnson as leader, Suzanne Lewis's melancholic vocals, Bob Drake's rhythmic and technical contribution, a Fred Frith guitar contribution on the opening of "Organism", release of In This Life on ReR in 1989 and later releases on Cuneiform; the band is placed stylistically near Henry Cow/Slapp Happy and linked to the RIO/avant-rock tradition.

DeBaser's review of Thinking Plague's In This Life praises Mike Johnson's compositions, Suzanne Lewis's melancholic vocals and the band's refined arrangements. The review situates the band within avant‑rock/RIO and notes links to Recommended Records and Cuneiform. Overall recommendation: highly recommended for fans of avant rock and progressive music.