Dr Robeatnik is a project started in 2008 by Steve Allen after he discovers loop pedals and begins playing live soon afterwards. The project centres on improvised performances built around guitar, loop and delay pedal, with Allen using the instrument in layered ways to create rhythm, lead and orchestral textures. He also uses guitar sounds to suggest drum parts, and the material develops in front of an audience during the set.

Allen had not been a singer in his previous bands, but in summer 2010 he pauses Dr Robeatnik while he learns to sing and begins another project called Same Old Steve. That project shares a similar approach in that all of its music — including guitar, bass, drums, mandolin and percussion — is written and recorded by Allen himself. Dr Robeatnik later continues with new loop-based songs and added vocals.

All recordings to date are made from live gig recordings.