Lowfish

 11/03/2008 21:26:58  ♥ written by jaklumen ( / jaklumen.vox.com)

    I really like electronica, especially instrumental works with complex soundscapes that take some really active listening.  But I also like music that has a nice melody and a danceable beat.  Lowfish's latest album, Frozen & Broken, which was released October 28th on Noise Factory Records, seemed to be a really nice mix of the two-- something I could get comfortably lost in alone, with a good set of headphones, but that I could also crank up on the speakers and start dancing to.
    Lowfish is a one-man act by the name of Gregory De Rocher, who hails from Toronto.  The band name refers to his early low fidelity sound, i.e. "low fi-ish".  I have to admit I read it "Low-fish" at first, but I would imagine that it should be pronounced "Low fi-ish" to emphasize the origin of the name.  The name also refers to his use of "semi-operational" analog synthesizers, "tempermental" drum machines, and "scratchy recording gear", according to the press release.  Despite the less than flattering connotations, however, I actually enjoy the somewhat organic and old school sound of this early electronic gear, which is also why I really liked the sound of this album.  The press release also referred to this sound as "punishing" and "deviant", which wouldn't be my descriptions, but I found it bemusing, in a twisted sort of way.  Not surprisingly, the style is very reminiscent of early new wave electronica; Orchestral Maneouvers in the Dark (OMD), Front 242, and Skinny Puppy are listed as influences.
    I would have to say that "Frozen & Broken" and "Pulled & Put Back" are probably the most accessible of the tracks for dancing to, with upbeat, catchy, and sometimes throbbing grooves.  The others I would recommend for active listening on headphones, if only to catch the multi-layered instrumentals with sweet touch of melody.  If you're a fan of old-school electronica such as Kraftwerk, the work of Vince Clarke (Depeche Mode, Yaz(oo), and Erasure), and generally appreciate analog synthesizer craftsmanship, you really should give Lowfish and Frozen & Broken a careful listen.
    Frozen & Broken is available on DRM-free digital downloads at iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, Beatport, and Zunior, and as a CD from Noise Factory, Amazon, Darla, and Juno.  More information is available at the official website.