Lowfish

Toronto-based producer Gregory DeRocher records energetic lo-fi experimental electro as Lowfish. Released mostly on his and partner Jason "Solvent" Amm's own Suction label, DeRocher's music combines the stripped-down approach of early new wave and industrial acts such as Human League and Skinny Puppy with the melodic edginess of Selected Ambient Works 1-era Aphex Twin. DeRocher's first tracks were recorded and released on cassette under the name Pest(e) before Suction was established in 1997. Following two split EPs, one with Amm and one with Montreal's David Kristian, Lowfish's Fear Not the Snow and Other Lo-Fiiing Objects appeared on Suction in early 1999. A bursting collection of short, noisy, spontaneous electronica pairing raw drum machine rhythms with up-front, alternately aggressive and plaintive electronics, the CD drew widespread acclaim. DeRocher has remixed work for David Kristian and Kid606, among others, and released material through labels such as Lo Recordings, Switch, City Center Offices, and Alien8.