Bleep

At the very beginning of Gregory de Rocher and Jason Amm’s careers was Suction Records, a label they founded together in 1997. The two pragmatically joined forces to form one of Canada’s leading labels in the electronic scene, and its very first record was a stunning synthesis of their talents. From the prolific, Detroit-influenced techno of RX-101 to the jagged edged coldwave of Kübler-Ross (on reissue sublabel Ice Machine), much of the Suction’s sound and evolution over the years can be traced back to Suction001. Both artists unload abrasive strains of lo fi techno and electronica, citing inspirations from their contemporaries as well as 80s synthpop and industrial, with all points of reference blended together till they’re completely unrecognisable in these visceral productions.

‘Helsi Gotenks’ opens with sparks flying from the anvil of Lowfish’s beat blacksmithery, its low groans becoming into screeching tyres. The following previously unreleased version is even more abstracted, with gnashing drums contorting and stuttering against heavy bass hits. Solvent meanwhile adds a mixture of soft and harsh qualities to ‘Flexidisc’, with pierces of noise rubbing against blurry pads, and angular yet optimistic synth melodies floating throughout. Detroit electropunk duo ADULT. take the track down a spacier yet dancier avenue with racing electro beats and crackles. On the overblown ‘ESP (Edit)’, sonic surgery is performed on technoid rhythms, while the violent bullet rain of ‘Peanut Butter Castles’ comes off like a cubist representation of the 90s techno and electronica that both artists were influenced by.

Lowfish and Solvent present two sides of the sound that would shape Suction Records for years to come, whilst still remaining firmly unparalleled 25 years later.