Useless Idea - "Mello Tron"
from [split] by Useless Idea / Seven Nights Alone (suction054)

PRE-ORDER:
Vinyl North America - suction.shop
Vinyl EU/UK - suction-eu.shop
Yellow-vinyl Bleep exclusive edition - bleep.com/release/298014
Digital - suctionrecords.bandcamp.com

It’s been more than a year since our last release on Suction Records, and we’re excited to be back with the introduction of a new artist to the label’s roster. In fact, this split 12” serves as an introduction to both Useless Idea, and Seven Nights Alone, two aliases from the same Italian artist and producer, Cesare Bignotti. The split also serves as a taster for two forthcoming Suction Records full-length LPs, coming soon from both aliases. As Useless Idea, Bignotti has been quietly recording his own brand of inventive, playful, and melodic IDM/braindance for more than 20 years. Seven Nights Alone is a more recent alias, and this marks the new alias’ debut release. There is an undeniable Boards Of Canada influence here, but this is a unique and sophisticated take on BOC’s woozy and melancholy electronica.

Useless Idea - "Mello Tron" (from suction054 split 12")

CrusHerr - "Tanz Acid" 
from "Den Haag Acid Pack" (dope01)

PRE-ORDER:
Vinyl/tape North America - http://suction.shop
Vinyl/tape EU/UK - http://suction-eu.shop
Bleep retail exclusive - http://bleep.com/release/298011-crush…r-den-haag-acid-pack
Digital - http://suctionrecords.bandcamp.com

Dope Sheets is a new sublabel of the longstanding Canadian electro imprint Suction Records — focusing on weird and uncompromising dance music releases, covering everything from acid to proto-techno to old-school EBM. “Den Haag Acid Pack” by CrusHerr is our new sublabel’s inaugural release, and it’s a scorcher! The 12-inch marks the Dutch producer’s 2nd release under the CrusHerr alias, following 2020’s killer “Target: Acid” 12-inch on I-F’s legendary Murder Capital label. It features 6 tracks of blackened Bunker Records style acid techno, featuring the Roland TB-303’s infamous acid squelch, blown out and dripping in murky fx. It’s the kind of record meant to be played at illicit squat raves, or to clear the floor at your next business techno party.

CrusHerr - "Tanz Acid" (from Den Haag Acid Pack - dope01)

PRE-ORDER NOW: https://linktr.ee/suctionrecords

Artist: RX-101
Title: New Discoveries
Label / CAT#: Suction Records / suction055
Format: Vinyl / CD / digital LP
Release date: June 17 2022

When we first discovered RX-101’s output on Soundcloud circa 2015, we knew we’d stumbled upon something very special. Five EPs and four albums later, and now a firmly established as a crucial artist in the Aphex/Rephlex/IDM cannon, we at Suction Records are still mining this elusive Dutch producer’s 1997-1999 archive of unreleased live-to-cassette recordings, and we’re not even close to scraping the bottom of the barrel. Suction Records is pleased to announce RX-101’s fifth album, “New Discoveries”.

As the title suggests, “New Discoveries” is not just more of the same — this is a new side of the RX-101 sound. Rather than taking inspiration from braindance heroes like Aphex Twin and Bochum Welt, “New Discoveries” is a reflection of Erik Jong (aka RX-101)’s love for classic Detroit techno - Juan Atkins, Derrick May, Carl Craig, et al. Like some of the UK producers who mined this sound for inspiration, from B12 to Kirk DiGiorgio, the influence of Detroit techno is crystal clear, even if the sound has a distinctly EU/UK flair.

Available digitally, on limited vinyl LP in a reverse-board jacket, or on CD. The CD comes in a reverse-board digipack, adding 2020’s 6-track “Hearts Utd.” EP (including a remix by Brainwalztera) as an exclusive CD bonus. All physical formats include a Bandcamp download card inside. 

Tracklist:

A1. Back To Zero
A2. Trip to the Unknown
A3. t.p.o.s.m.
A4. No Access
B1. Sys.rx.9.b013
B2. The Invention of Ideas
B3. Voyage of Discovery
B4. Star Tracker

RX-101 - "Back To Zero" (from New Discoveries - suction055)

PRE-ORDER NOW: linktr.ee/suctionrecords

Artist: RX-101
Title: EP 2 (repress)
Label / CAT#: Suction Records / suction034
Format: Vinyl 12-inch / digital EP
Release date: June 17 2022

First released in 2016, “EP 2” was the 2nd volume in Suction Records’ 4-part “EP series” by RX-101, serving as an introduction to this elusive producer’s vast, mind-blowing archive of unreleased late ‘90s braindance, melodic techno, and IDM tracks. RX-101 is a previously unknown producer from the Netherlands, Erik Jong, who recorded hundreds of tracks, live to cassette, in a feverish burst of creativity from 1997-1999. We’ve gone on to release 4 albums and 5 EPs by RX-101, and will be releasing RX-101’s 5th album, “New Discoveries”, in conjunction with this overdue repress. RX-101’s output continues to hold its own alongside classic records of the genre, from labels like Rephlex, Warp, and Skam. 

While his debut aimed to showcase a more broad range of RX-101’s massive Rephlex-inspired catalog, from caustic and crunchy to plaintive and melancholic, “EP 2” hones in on highlights from RX-101’s arsenal of warm, melodic techno gems. For those who crave playful analog basslines and wistful, evocative synth pads, you’ll be hooked within the first minute of opener “August ’97.” The references are clear: if you’re a fan of Bochum Welt or Aphex Twin’s “Selected Ambient Works Volume 1,” this 6-track 12” delivers just that sound - authentic, effortless and pure. 

Available digitally, and on limited vinyl 12” in a reverse board jacket — includes a Bandcamp download card inside. 

Tracklist:

A1. August ’97
A2. Morning Glory
A3. Like Yesterday
B1. Gemini Launcher
B2. Bloom (pt.2)
B3. 101 Reasons

RX-101 - "August '97" (from EP 2 - suction034 repress)

PRE-ORDER NOW: linktr.ee/suctionrecords

Artist: RX-101
Title: New Discoveries
Label / CAT#: Suction Records / suction055
Format: Vinyl / CD / digital LP
Release date: June 17 2022

When we first discovered RX-101’s output on Soundcloud circa 2015, we knew we’d stumbled upon something very special. Five EPs and four albums later, and now a firmly established as a crucial artist in the Aphex/Rephlex/IDM cannon, we at Suction Records are still mining this elusive Dutch producer’s 1997-1999 archive of unreleased live-to-cassette recordings, and we’re not even close to scraping the bottom of the barrel. Suction Records is pleased to announce RX-101’s fifth album, “New Discoveries”.

As the title suggests, “New Discoveries” is not just more of the same — this is a new side of the RX-101 sound. Rather than taking inspiration from braindance heroes like Aphex Twin and Bochum Welt, “New Discoveries” is a reflection of Erik Jong (aka RX-101)’s love for classic Detroit techno - Juan Atkins, Derrick May, Carl Craig, et al. Like some of the UK producers who mined this sound for inspiration, from B12 to Kirk DiGiorgio, the influence of Detroit techno is crystal clear, even if the sound has a distinctly EU/UK flair.

Available digitally, on limited vinyl LP in a reverse-board jacket, or on CD. The CD comes in a reverse-board digipack, adding 2020’s 6-track “Hearts Utd.” EP (including a remix by Brainwalztera) as an exclusive CD bonus. All physical formats include a Bandcamp download card inside. 

Tracklist:

A1. Back To Zero
A2. Trip to the Unknown
A3. t.p.o.s.m.
A4. No Access
B1. Sys.rx.9.b013
B2. The Invention of Ideas
B3. Voyage of Discovery
B4. Star Tracker

CD Bonus tracks: “Hearts Utd.” EP (suction052 12”, 2020):

09. Hearts Utd. (Brainwaltzera remix)
10. Core Stage 101
11.  Switched Phases
12. 8-a02
13. Aria #3
14. RIP-AXL

RX-101 - "The Invention Of Ideas" (from New Discoveries - suction055)

Kübler-Ross - Bridges (from s/t - iMach005)
PRE-ORDER: https://linktr.ee/suctionrecords

Artist: Kübler-Ross
Title: Kübler-Ross
Label / CAT#: Ice Machine / iMach005
Format: Vinyl / digital LP
Release date: July 8 2022

Kübler-Ross is a minimal synth/wave/industrial three-piece from Glasgow, Scotland, featuring Craig Clark, Katie Shannon, and veteran electronic producer and remixer producer Dave Clark, best-known for his Sparky moniker, and as one-half of the production/remix team Optimo (Espacio). 

First emerging in 2015 with a couple of compilation appearances, Kübler-Ross released their debut, self-titled album in 2020. Originally released as a limited-edition cassette on the Glasgow label Akashic Records, the album — now resequenced and released on vinyl via Suction Records’ minimal synth sublabel Ice Machine — is a collection of tracks recorded over a three year period in a variety of studios, rehearsal rooms, and gigs, documenting the musical variety and ferocity of their incendiary live performances. The Akashic tape, despite being low-key, under-the-radar, and released in limited quantity, managed to earn them a Long List nomination for SAY (Scottish Album of the Year) for 2020.

Standout cut “Bridges”, first released in 2015, is synthpop perfection — sitting comfortably alongside classics from the first wave of UK electronic classics by Thomas Leer and Robert Rental, John Foxx, and even early Depeche Mode. It’s not the only synthpop track on the record, but the album is dominated by a more tough, raw, and punk spirit, featuring aggressive female vocals, live drums + bass guitar, and judicious use of crude analog synthesizers and tape delay fx. Think Liaisons Dangereuses meets Suicide, and you’re beginning to get close…

Available digitally, and on limited vinyl LP in a reverse-board jacket, and includes a Bandcamp download card inside. 

Tracklist:

A1. Koss
A2. Bridges
A3. The Ball and the Box
A4. Go On Your Way
B1. Clean Me
B2. Daria
B3. Jumping Bluevale
B4. You’re Ruining Yourself

Digital bonus tracks:

DIGITAL BONUS 1. Victims of Victimless Crimes [John Bender cover]
DIGITAL BONUS 2. Petrol (To Get Away From You) [Severed Heads cover]
DIGITAL BONUS 3. Koss (live)

Kübler-Ross - Bridges (from s/t - iMach005)

The Jaffa Kid - "Lef" (from Passing Signals - suction056)
PRE-ORDER NOW: http://linktr.ee/suctionrecords

Artist: The Jaffa Kid
Title: Passing Signals
Label / CAT#: Suction Records / suction056
Format: Vinyl / digital LP
Release date: June 3 2022

“Passing Signals” is the Suction Records label debut of The Jaffa Kid, aka UK producer Daniel Pringle. Over the past few years, The Jaffa Kid has been building up a strong following amongst braindance/d’n’b/acid heads, with killer releases on labels like 030303, Altered Sense, Utter, and his 2 standout “anonymous” WH03 and WH09 EPs on the Withhold label series. 

From the melody-drenched 303 acid of “Olyqu” and “Xom”, to the Bochum Welt-style electro vibes of “Ief” and “Tropet”, it was clearly just a matter of time before The Jaffa Kid appeared on Suction. With these 8 carefully curated tracks, Suction Records delivers 8 tracks of timeless melodic electronics, and surely the most solid The Jaffa Kid release to date, in our books!

Available digitally, and on limited vinyl LP in a reverse board jacket — includes a Bandcamp download card inside. 

Tracklist:

A1. Olyqu
A2. Lef
A3. Globbi
A4. Renumb
B1. Exa
B2. Tropet
B3. Xom
B4. Octaxonagonn

The Jaffa Kid - "Lef" (from Passing Signals - suction056)

PRE-ORDER: https://linktr.ee/suctionrecords

Artists: Lowfish / Solvent
Title: suction001
Label / CAT#: Suction Records / suction001 (25th anniversary reissue)
Format: Vinyl 12-inch/Digital EP
Release date: November 11, 2022

2022 marks the 25th anniversary of Suction Records, the Toronto-based electro/IDM label founded in 1997 by two emerging producers, Lowfish (aka Gregory De Rocher) and Solvent (aka Jason Amm), the latter still overseeing the label to this day. The label’s inaugural release was a split Lowfish/Solvent 12”, marking both artists’ debut vinyl appearance. 

Gregory and Jason had known each other since high-school, but a deeper friendship was forged during their university years, after Gregory introduced Jason to early Rephlex releases by Aphex Twin and µ-Ziq. Gregory had been making electronic music in his bedroom for more than a decade, but it was those Rephlex releases that ignited Jason’s passion to do the same. After several years of obsessive gear buying, music making, and playing tracks for each other, Lowfish and Solvent had hit their stride, and their demos even attracted the interest of legendary early IDM labels labels Skam (for Lowfish), and Isophlux (for Solvent). But things were slow-moving in those days — letters, faxes, phone calls… nothing was panning out. So that’s when they decided to start their own label, and put out 300 copies of this 12”, suction001.

The label was heavily inspired by contemporary artists like AFX, Autechre, and Panasonic, but on suction001, those influences collided with their ‘80s synth-pop and industrial roots to create something unique. 25 years later, it still sounds fresh, and like nothing else out there. On suction001, 808 drum machines are run through distortion and breakbeats are chopped and mangled, contrasting with melodic OMD-style leads and catchy synth-pop basslines — a sound the label would refer to as ‘distortion pedal new wave.’ 

Over the past 25 years, Suction’s sound has morphed and evolved, but in recent years has shifted back to it’s original Rephlex-inspired roots. That makes 2022 the perfect year to revisit this wild, 1997 debut, now reissued in a new, expanded edition for it’s 25th anniversary. The reissue adds 2 bonus tracks — a 1999 remix by Detroit electro-punk duo ADULT., along with a previously-unreleased version of Lowfish’s A1 cut, and also features new and improved artwork, including an insert with full label discography. 

Limited to 500 copies, and comes with a Bandcamp download card.

Tracklisting:

A1. Lowfish “Helski Gotenks”
A2. Solvent “Course Hub with Garnish”
A3. Lowfish “Helski Gotenks (version)”
B1. Solvent “Flexidisc”
B2. Lowfish “Your Last Legs”
B3. Solvent “ESP (edit)”
B4. Lowfish “Peanut Butter Castles”
B5. ADULT. vs Solvent “Flexidisc (remix)”

ADULT. vs Solvent "Flexidisc (remix)" (from suction001 25th anniversary reissue)

PRE-ORDER NOW:
https://lowfish.bandcamp.com/album/grey-with-breaks

ARTIST: Lowfish
TITLE: Grey With Breaks
CAT / FORMAT: suction058 vinyl LP / CD / digital full-length
RELEASE DATE: May 5, 2023

After a recent, acclaimed EP on Madrid’s Analogical Force label, Suction Records is thrilled to announce “Grey With Breaks,” the 8th full-length album by Lowfish. The electro veteran, who’s been programming 808s since the early ‘90s, returns to Suction Records, the label he co-founded and debuted on in 1997. “Grey With Breaks” is an electro record, with thick analog basslines and TR-808 boom tschak front & centre, but Lowfish’s electro-style stands out from the pack. Not only is the LP devoid of the Drexciya/Dopplereffekt worship that permeates the scene these days, it also rarely hits above 110bpm, oozing with melancholic melody. 

The 9-track vinyl LP comes housed in a stunning reverse-board jacket, and is limited to 400 copies, with 100 copies on CLOUDY-GREY-VINYL. The CD, in a reverse-board digipack, is expanded to 19 tracks, adding previously-vinyl-only cuts from past Suction Records singles and EPs “Hello Tinnitus” (suction023), “C.D.S.N.” (suction038), and “Hypersensitivity” (suction046).

Vinyl tracklisting:

A1. C100
A2. Pooling
A3. Saunter
A4. The 7th
B1. DEP-5 Theme
B2. Mostly Cloudy
B3. Moth
B4. Someone Promised Answers
B5. End Credits

CD/digital tracklisting:

1. C100
2. Pooling
3. Saunter
4. The 7th
5. DEP-5 Theme
6. Mostly Cloudy
7. Moth
8. Someone Promised Answers
9. End Credits
10. Arp294ms
11. Mv37
12. Study for Arp and Other Synthesizers
13. Favourable Reports
14. Hypersensitivity
15. Blood
16. Dead Specimen
17. Scarborough Brutalist
18. Hello Tinnitus
19. A Little Thing Gets By

Lowfish - "Mostly Cloudy" (from "Grey With Breaks" - suction058)

ARTIST: Skanfrom
TITLE: Postcards
LABEL/CAT#: Suction Records / suction027
RELEASE DATE: October 7, 2014
FORMAT: Vinyl/CD/digital

Suction Records is proud to present "Postcards," a new full-length by Skanfrom - his first album since 2002… Skanfrom is Roger Semsroth from Berlin, best known for his  purist minimal techno project Sleeparchive.

Before Sleeparchive, there was Skanfrom… Skanfrom first appeared in the late-90s, releasing limited edition 7"s on his own A.D.S.R. label, part of a small movement of DIY labels influenced by the melodic, experimental electronica output of labels like Rephlex, Skam, and Warp. Skanfrom's music displayed a particular affinity for the lush, melodic electro of Bochum Welt, an early signing to Aphex Twin's Rephlex label; you could practically call Bochum Welt the blueprint for Skanfrom's sound. But there was something a little different about Skanfrom…

Unlike Bochum Welt, who claimed influence from big shiny '80s producers like Trevor Horn and Thomas Dolby, Skanfrom was also listening to a lot of raw synthwave music - the influence of early Depeche Mode (Speak and Spell), Kraftwerk (Radioactivity), and obscure bands like Vice Versa and Ceramic Hello, clearly set Skanfrom apart from his IDM contemporaries.

Skanfrom found a likeminded home in Suction Records, who were releasing records by Solvent and Lowfish with many of the same musical references. In 2002, Skanfrom released his debut album on Suction Records, "Hand Picked Fragments." A lot has changed since 2002, but in Skanfrom world, 2014 is very much the same. "Postcards" is full of the same pure and melodic electro(pop) that made Skanfrom so special to us from the start. As it was in the beginning, Skanfrom produced "Postcards" using little more than his beloved Roland SH-101; this classic vintage monosynth, with it's minimal layout and pure analogue tone, remains the ideal instrument for Skanfrom's enduring, synthetic sound.

"Perseids Over Greenwich" by Skanfrom

*** PRE-ORDER -- release date is March 22 2024 ***
For vinyl pre-order, please visit:
http://linktr.ee/suctionrecords

ARTIST: Analytica
TITLE: Strategy Of Tension
LABEL: Ice Machine
FORMAT: Vinyl / digital LP
RELEASE DATE: March 22, 2024

After making waves with their 2020 self-titled debut LP (championed by the late, great DJ and synth/wave connoisseur Silent Servant), Toronto’s Analytica return to Suction Records’ minimal synth sub-label Ice Machine, for the second full-length LP, Strategy Of Tension. Comprised of kosmische synth artist Gabe Knox and electro-industrial performer David Lush, Analytica is a synth-pop duo who confront the race-to-the-bottom ethos of our time, but utilizing sounds and tools from the early ‘80s synth-DIY era. The album was recorded to a 6-track cassette portastudio in a two week session in Summer 2022, and mixed down live to tape in an afternoon. Analytica pair classic, holy grail analog synthesizers like the ARP Quadra, Roland System 100, and ARP 2600, with uncommon analog rhythm machines including the Univox SR-95, Soundmaster ST-305, Roland TR-77, and Korg KR-55B. The result is Strategy of Tension: a stinging rebuke to cynical political actors and a reminder that the only thing to fear is fear itself.

RIYL: early Depeche Mode, Factory Records, Minimal Wave label reissues.

The LP contains 11 songs on vinyl, with an additional digital-exclusive track available via Bandcamp, and included with the vinyl purchase via the included Bandcamp download card. Limited to 300 copies, with 100 copies available on white-vinyl. The white-vinyl edition is available exclusively via direct order from Suction Records’ online shop.

Analytica - "Anyone We Know" (from "Strategy of Tension" iMach008)

*** PRE-ORDER -- release date is March 22 2024 ***
For vinyl pre-order, please visit:
linktr.ee/suctionrecords

ARTIST: Analytica
TITLE: Strategy Of Tension
LABEL: Ice Machine
FORMAT: Vinyl / digital LP
RELEASE DATE: March 22, 2024

After making waves with their 2020 self-titled debut LP (championed by the late, great DJ and synth/wave connoisseur Silent Servant), Toronto’s Analytica return to Suction Records’ minimal synth sub-label Ice Machine, for the second full-length LP, Strategy Of Tension. Comprised of kosmische synth artist Gabe Knox and electro-industrial performer David Lush, Analytica is a synth-pop duo who confront the race-to-the-bottom ethos of our time, but utilizing sounds and tools from the early ‘80s synth-DIY era. The album was recorded to a 6-track cassette portastudio in a two week session in Summer 2022, and mixed down live to tape in an afternoon. Analytica pair classic, holy grail analog synthesizers like the ARP Quadra, Roland System 100, and ARP 2600, with uncommon analog rhythm machines including the Univox SR-95, Soundmaster ST-305, Roland TR-77, and Korg KR-55B. The result is Strategy of Tension: a stinging rebuke to cynical political actors and a reminder that the only thing to fear is fear itself.

RIYL: early Depeche Mode, Factory Records, Minimal Wave label reissues.

The LP contains 11 songs on vinyl, with an additional digital-exclusive track available via Bandcamp, and included with the vinyl purchase via the included Bandcamp download card. Limited to 300 copies, with 100 copies available on white-vinyl. The white-vinyl edition is available exclusively via direct order from Suction Records’ online shop.

Analytica - "Playmobils" (from "Strategy of Tension" iMach008)

Heiki “Komplexoboxx” from “Valley Beyond” (Suction Records - suction060). Pre-order the vinyl/CD via Suction Records:
https://linktr.ee/suctionrecords

“Valley Beyond” is the Suction Records label debut by Heiki, aka Toronto-based, Canadian electronic music veteran, Heiki Sillaste. Heiki first made his mark with Digital Poodle, a cult EBM project that he began in 1988, going on to release several albums, along with a string of addictive, industrial dancefloor anthems, including “Work Terminal” and “Soul Crush,” which each received the reissue/remix treatment via a pair of 12”s on Suction in 2015, and 2017, respectively. 

Like many EBM producers in the ‘90s, Heiki found himself losing interest in that increasingly stagnant scene, and quickly shifted his musical focus towards the emerging techno/rave/ambient scene. Over the years, he’s delved into everything from dub techno, to drum and bass, to ambient drone, but for the past few years he’s been diving deep into hardware analog electro and acid. “Valley Beyond” is the result of nearly a decade perfecting his acid/electro sound, finding Heiki at the top of his game.

Highlighted by 2 rocking vocoder electro anthems, “Valley Beyond” and “Komplexoboxxx,” the 6-track vinyl EP moves seamlessly from sinister electro to funky acid, with melodic analog strings, 808 boom, and 303 squelch as constants, weaving in and out. Rounding out Side A of the EP is “Andermatt” — this plaintive and melancholic slow-jam may seem like the odd man out here, but it’s actually an insight into what to expect on the CD/digital full-length.

For the CD and digital download release, the 6-track vinyl EP is expanded to an 11-track “Valley Beyond” full-length. For those who buy the vinyl, it ships with a digital download card inside, giving you access to all 11 tracks. CD/digital exclusive tracks include a slower acid jam, several melodic ambient tracks and interludes, and a bonus remix of acid standout “Highway 10” from the vinyl. 

Available digitally, on CD, and as a limited vinyl EP, with 100 copies on BLUE-IN-CLEAR-vinyl + 200 copies on BLACK-vinyl. Vinyl includes a Bandcamp download card inside. 

Tracklist VINYL:

A1. Valley Beyond
A2. Dieline
A3. Andermatt
B1. Komplexoboxxx
B2. Highway 10
B3. Valley Beyond (reprise)

Tracklist CD/digital:

1. Valley Beyond
2. Dieline
3. Andermatt
4. Next Summer
5. Komplexoboxxx
6. Highway 10
7. Mobile Mass
8. Escarpment
9. Lazy
10. Valley Beyond (reprise)
11. Highway 10 (part 2) [bonus track]

Heiki - "Komplexoboxxx" (from "Valley Beyond" suction060)

Heiki “Valley Beyond” from “Valley Beyond” (Suction Records - suction060). Pre-order the vinyl/CD via Suction Records:
https://linktr.ee/suctionrecords

“Valley Beyond” is the Suction Records label debut by Heiki, aka Toronto-based, Canadian electronic music veteran, Heiki Sillaste. Heiki first made his mark with Digital Poodle, a cult EBM project that he began in 1988, going on to release several albums, along with a string of addictive, industrial dancefloor anthems, including “Work Terminal” and “Soul Crush,” which each received the reissue/remix treatment via a pair of 12”s on Suction in 2015, and 2017, respectively. 

Like many EBM producers in the ‘90s, Heiki found himself losing interest in that increasingly stagnant scene, and quickly shifted his musical focus towards the emerging techno/rave/ambient scene. Over the years, he’s delved into everything from dub techno, to drum and bass, to ambient drone, but for the past few years he’s been diving deep into hardware analog electro and acid. “Valley Beyond” is the result of nearly a decade perfecting his acid/electro sound, finding Heiki at the top of his game.

Highlighted by 2 rocking vocoder electro anthems, “Valley Beyond” and “Komplexoboxxx,” the 6-track vinyl EP moves seamlessly from sinister electro to funky acid, with melodic analog strings, 808 boom, and 303 squelch as constants, weaving in and out. Rounding out Side A of the EP is “Andermatt” — this plaintive and melancholic slow-jam may seem like the odd man out here, but it’s actually an insight into what to expect on the CD/digital full-length.

For the CD and digital download release, the 6-track vinyl EP is expanded to an 11-track “Valley Beyond” full-length. For those who buy the vinyl, it ships with a digital download card inside, giving you access to all 11 tracks. CD/digital exclusive tracks include a slower acid jam, several melodic ambient tracks and interludes, and a bonus remix of acid standout “Highway 10” from the vinyl. 

Available digitally, on CD, and as a limited vinyl EP, with 100 copies on BLUE-IN-CLEAR-vinyl + 200 copies on BLACK-vinyl. Vinyl includes a Bandcamp download card inside. 

Tracklist VINYL:

A1. Valley Beyond
A2. Dieline
A3. Andermatt
B1. Komplexoboxxx
B2. Highway 10
B3. Valley Beyond (reprise)

Tracklist CD/digital:

1. Valley Beyond
2. Dieline
3. Andermatt
4. Next Summer
5. Komplexoboxxx
6. Highway 10
7. Mobile Mass
8. Escarpment
9. Lazy
10. Valley Beyond (reprise)
11. Highway 10 (part 2) [bonus track]

Heiki “Valley Beyond” from “Valley Beyond” (suction060)

Digital Poodle "Work Terminal (Solvent revision)"
from "Revision! vol.1 - Work Terminal"
Suction Records / suction036
12"/digital - Nov 2015

Digital Poodle - Work Terminal (Solvent revision)

"Tunnel" -- from "EP 1"
BUY: rx-101.bandcamp.com/album/ep-1

Suction Records presents the first in a series of archival releases by RX-101 - previously unreleased material, originally recorded to cassette circa 1997-1999. Pure and authentic Aphex Twin-style techno/IDM/electronics.

“EP 1” (suction032)
12” vinyl EP - October 17, 2016

RX-101 - "Tunnel"

June / Lowfish (split)
“C.D.S.N.” (suction038)
12” vinyl EP - November 14, 2016
BUY: http://june-lowfish.bandcamp.com/

Suction Records presents a new split-12-inch by label alumnus June and Lowfish - “C.D.S.N.” (suction038) is 4 tracks of classic Suction-style melodic analog electro. 300 copies on ORANGE vinyl.

Berlin’s June first appeared on Suction Records with his 2015 debut album of wave-inspired electro, “Dominion.” Here, June opens the 12” with “Cynthia 84,” a a lush, beatless Tangerine Dream-scape, thick with analog arpeggiations and gorgeous melodies. “Navigation” closes proceedings with a driving, dark electro/wave dance track.

Toronto’s Lowfish co-founded Suction Records in 1997, and has been a staple of the label ever since. Lowfish appearances have been few and far between in recent years, but he’s returned here in finest form. “Dead Specimen” is clinical and pounding electro, while side B’s opener ”Scarborough Brutalist" is a prime example of Lowfish’s patented melodic electro style, with catchy, melancholy analog melodies cascading over slow but slamming 808 beats.

June / Lowfish (split) — “C.D.S.N.” (suction038 - 12” EP)
A1. June - "Cynthia 84"
A2. Lowfish - "Dead Specimen"
B1. Lowfish - "Scarborough Brutalist"
B2. June - "Navigation"

Lowfish - "Scarborough Brutalist"

> ARTIST: - Digital Poodle 
- (w/remixes by Adam X, :zoviet*france:)
> TITLE: - Revision! Vol.2: Soul Crush
> LABEL/CAT: - Suction Records / suction037
> INFO: - 12" EP / digital. 
- 12" limited to 300 copies.
- Yellow vinyl in custom matte disco jacket w/sticker.
> DATE: - March 6, 2017

BUY: http://suctionrecords.bandcamp.com/

Suction Records presents the 2nd volume in a vinyl reissue/remix series by Toronto’s Digital Poodle: “Revision! Vol2 - Soul Crush” (suction037). Formed in 1986 by Heiki Sillaste, Digital Poodle began self-releasing experimental/EBM tapes in the late-80s, and by the early-‘90s had several releases licensed to international labels like Hyperium, Cleopatra and Ninja Tune. “Soul Crush” was an underground hit in EBM/alternative clubs around the world - particularly in Toronto, but also making an impact was Zoviet France’s Virtual Mix… This hypnotic, 13-minute psychedelic techno trip, actually a live-in-studio jam between Digital Poodle and industrial music legends :zoviet*france:, became an unlikely rave staple, spun by DJs including Sven Väth. Both mixes are featured here, alongside a killer revision by none other than Adam X, one of this legendary techno producer’s rare remix appearances. One of the few artists to credibly bridge the gap between EBM and techno, here Adam X delivers a pummelling dancefloor stormer, with Heiki’s distorted vocals taking the Adam X sound even closer than usual to a pure, vintage-EBM sound. 

Digital-only bonus remix comes from June Records’ Manie Sans Délire, a modern wave/EBM duo who turn in a bare-bones-minimal, vintage-electro revision with sparse synths and cutting TR-707 percussion. For bonus EBM points, the 12” was (re-)mastered by industrial music legend Eric Van Wonterghem (Absolute Body Control, The Klinik, Monolith).

Digital Poodle - Soul Crush (Adam X Revision)

"Sys.rx.3.a006" from our 3rd archival vinyl release of late '90s Rephlex-ian electronix from Dutch producer RX-101. "EP 3" contains 6 tracks of pure Universal Indicator style rave ACID. 

Buy: http://rx-101.bandcamp.com/album/ep-3

ARTIST: RX-101
TITLE: EP 3
LABEL / CAT: Suction Records / suction040
RELEASE DATE: 06/20/2017
INFO: 6 track 12" EP; 500 copies w/150 on yellow vinyl 

Suction Records is excited to unleash the 3rd vinyl EP in our series of archival releases by a RX-101, aka Dutch producer Erik Jong, who recorded hundreds of AFX/Rephlex-inspired tracks from 1997 to 1999, which remained unreleased until now. Continuing with our Roland SH-101 themed artwork, RX-101’s “EP 3” (suction040) pairs the 101 with it’s acidic little brother, the infamous TB-303.

There’s been a lot of renewed interest and hype surrounding the revival of acid techno in recent years, but RX-101’s acid offerings are not the slow ’n slinky variety favoured by most of today’s acid revivalists…. Instead, “EP 3” contains 6 tracks of crunchy, blown out, high-octane rave acid… Long-time AFX/Rephlex fans will recognize the sound immediately - the 6 tracks found on “EP 3” are eerily reminiscent of those sought-after Rephlex classics, the Universal Indicator series of 12”s - released anonymously by Aphex Twin and his Kosmic Kommando on Rephlex from 1992-1995.

“EP 3” is limited to 500 copies, with 150 copies on yellow vinyl, available as a Suction-direct-order exclusive.

RX-101 - "Sys.rx.3.a006"(suction040)

"Diagram VII (80's Mx)" from our reissue of D'Arcangelo's debut EP from 1996, originally released on Aphex Twin's Rephlex label.

Buy: http://darcangelo-suction.bandcamp.com

ARTIST: D’Arcangelo
TITLE: D’Arcangelo (Rephlex CAT039 reissue)
LABEL / CAT: Suction Records / suction039
RELEASE DATE: 06/06/2017
 INFO: 6 track 12" EP, 500 copes  w/150 on BLUE vinyl

Suction Records is thrilled and honoured to announce the reissue of D’Arcangelo’s self-titled debut EP for Rephlex, the legendary UK label run by Aphex Twin and Grant Wilson-Claridge from 1991-2013. D’Arcangelo are the Italian duo of brothers Fabrizio and Marco D’Arcangelo, active in the underground electronic scene under various aliases since the early ‘90s, and still going strong today. Released in 1996, their Rephlex debut “D’Arcangelo” was one of the first releases to make a firm connection between contemporary IDM/electronix and the sound of ‘80s synth pop. The 3 tracks on Side A are ripping, industrial-strength electronix, as fierce, crunchy and menacing anything Aphex Twin himself had released at the time. In sharp contrast, Side B’s 3 tracks are playful, clean and melodic instrumental synthpop, with clear synthetic references to bands like Depeche Mode and OMD. It was a sound that was certainly not in fashion at the time, and helped the EP stand out in 1996, for that very reason.

Suction Records was launched in 1997 by Toronto artists Solvent and Lowfish - both producers attended high-school together in the ‘80s, and both were obsessed with synthesizers and electronic music. The synth pop sound of the ‘80s was in their blood, but in the ‘90s, both became absolute converts to the sound of Aphex Twin and other like-minded artists on labels like Warp, Rephlex and Skam. Discovering this “D’Arcangelo” EP in 1996 was a revelation for the pair, a marriage of their 2 favourite sounds, and was one of the key inspirations for starting Suction Records the following year… so it was a dream come true when D’Arcangelo agreed to allow Suction to reissue this long-out-of-print and sought-after EP. In respect to the original release - Rephlex CAT039 - we saved a matching catalog # for our reissue: This is suction039.

D'Arcangelo - "Diagram VII (80's Mx)" (suction039)

BUY...
Limited GREY+WHITE MARBLE vinyl edition (200 copies):
https://suction-compilation.bandcamp.com/album/snow-robots-volume-4-limited-grey-white-marble-edition
Standard BLACK vinyl edition:
https://suction-compilation.bandcamp.com/album/snow-robots-volume-4-standard-black-vinyl-edition

Artist: [various]
Title: Snow Robots Volume 4
Label / CAT#: Suction Records / suction042
Format: 12” EP
Release Date: December 8, 2017

Formed in 1997, and inaugurated that year with a split 12” from new-comers and label founders, Solvent and Lowfish, this year Suction Records celebrates it’s 20th anniversary with the re-introduction of their famed Snow Robots series of compilations. While originally started as a North American answer to UK electronix labels like Rephlex, Skam and Warp Records, a sound that is still a staple of the current Suction Records catalog, Suction’s sound has also swerved into new territories, reflecting our love of dark ‘80s electronic music - synthpop, EBM, and beyond…. Snow Robots Volume 4 features an international array of artists, from Suction Records mainstays like Digital Poodle, June, Celldöd, and Ceramic Hello (with their much sought-after 1982 vocoder anthem), to label-favourites appearing on Suction Records for the first time: Beau Wanzer, Morah, and one of Skanfrom/Sleeparchive’s lesser known aliases, Civil Defence Programme. 

Deluxe packaging, limited to 500 copies, with 200 copies on GREY+WHITE MARBLED VINYL.

A1. Civil Defence Programme - Wrong Diagnosis (2010)
A2. Morah - Learned Robot (2017)
A3. Beau Wanzer - Dead Heads (2001)
A4. Celldöd - Pulsdisco 1.2 (2104)
B1. Ceramic Hello - Sampling the Blast Furnace (1982)
B2. Digital Poodle - Soul Crush (Manie Sans Délire revision) (2016)
B3. June - Idealized States Of Perfection (2016)

Ceramic Hello "Sampling the Blast Furnace" (suction043)

PRE-ORDER: https://rx-101.bandcamp.com/album/dopamine
Pre-order includes immediate download of "Warm Electronics Box" + 2 more tracks from the forthcoming RX-101 full-length, "Dopamine".

TITLE: Dopamine
LABEL/CAT#: Suction Records / suction047
FORMAT: 2x12” vinyl / CD / digital album
RELEASE DATE: March 22 2019

It’s been over a year since we at Suction Records last raided RX-101’s archives, but far be it from a lack of quality material. In fact, we’ve been holding back this special batch of melodic, chilled out techno and electronica for “Dopamine,” RX-101’s first full-length vinyl LP. Dopamine (suction047) is a cohesive body of work with clear references to Aphex Twin’s “Selected Ambient Works 85-92”, Polygon Window’s “Surfing on Sine Waves”, and Warp Records’ “Artificial Intelligence” series.

For those of you new to the story, RX-101 is Dutch producer Erik Jong, who recorded hundreds of top-tier AFX/Rephlex-style tracks to cassette tape from 1997-1999, but never sent out any demos (“I didn’t think my own tracks were good enough, or feel the need to share my tracks with others. I simply wanted to make music without any pretension or specific purpose”). Suction Records discovered RX-101’s output via Erik’s Soundcloud page, which had been much discussed on Aphex Twin fan forum We Are The Music Makers, where many speculated that Erik was in fact a secret Richard D James alias. We were blown away the vast treasure trove of golden era ‘90s electronics in Erik’s archive, and began work on an ongoing campaign to release the music of RX-101.

Although Erik was initially driven to electronic music production through the influence of house and techno, especially Detroit-area heavyweight labels Underground Resistance, Plus 8, and Transmat, it should be clear to anyone who listens that RX-101’s primary influence is the work of Richard D James. While RX-101’s output to date has been like an overview of many facets of the AFX/Rephlex catalog, from Caustic Window-style crunchy techno, to Bochum Welt-style synth pop, to Universal Indicator-style acid, the focus of Dopamine’s sound palette is firmly guided by the slow, funky and crisp 808 patterns, warm analog basslines, and evocative chords of Aphex Twin’s landmark “Selected Ambient 85-92” LP. It’s an immersive listen from start to finish - 13 tracks of armchair techno of the highest order.

RX-101 "Warm Electronics Box" (suction047)

PRE-ORDER the 10" NOW:
https://beauwanzer-suction.bandcamp.com/album/do-the-spider-shimmy

Artist: Beau Wanzer
Title: Do The Spider Shimmy
Label / CAT#: Suction Records / suction049
Format: 10” vinyl EP
Release Date: Friday September 13, 2019

Hailing from Chicago, Beau Wanzer has carved out a singular voice in electronic music since debuting on the L.I.E.S. label in 2013. Wanzer’s music is not industrial, wave, electro, or techno - it’s a unique and twisted amalgamation of all that, and more. Crazy as it sounds, we at Suction Records have been sitting on this Beau Wanzer material since 2003. Back then Beau was working at Weekend Records And Soap — a Chicago hub for the city’s exploding electro scene — when Solvent and Lowfish rolled into town to perform at an Ersatz Audio label showcase. We met Beau at the shop and he gave us a 21-track CDR. We were instant fans, fast friends, and went on to the share the stage with him several times, well before he released his first records. That CDR contains these 6 tracks now released on 10”-vinyl as the “Do The Spider Shimmy” EP. This is suction049.

Had that CDR not been held onto, and recently-unearthed by Solvent, this music would have disappeared into digital oblivion; Beau had long forgotten them and didn’t even have a copy of these CDR tracks. Beau Wanzer’s trademark sound — raw, minimal electronics and effected-beyond-recognition vocals — were already in full-effect circa 2003, but what makes this material different from his contemporary output is the dry, drumbox-funk influence of Detroit’s Ersatz Audio label (Le Car, ADULT.), which is also heard loud and clear across the EP.

A1 - Baby Love
A2 - Do The Spider Shimmy
A3 - Never Look Back
B1 - You Can’t Stand On Broken Shoes
B2 - Choice Curve
B3 - The Peeper

Beau Wanzer "Do The Spider Shimmy" (suction049)

Ceramic Hello - "Symphony of Shudders" from our reissue of their 1981 classic, "The Absence Of A Canary"(Ice Machine - iMach001 LP/CD/ digital). Release date 02/14/2020. ORDER:

👉 http://suction.shop/collections/ice-machine
EU/UK/International:
👉 http://suction-eu.shop/collections/ice-machine
Bandcamp (digital + limited physical copies):
👉 http://suctionrecords.bandcamp.com

Excited to announce that next year we're launching a new label, Ice Machine. The label will be dedicated to all things wave/synthpop/postpunk/etc, both old and new. Our first 2 vinyl releases will be released simultaneously on 01/24 - a new pressing of Ceramic Hello's cult 1981 LP, and the debut of a new duo from Toronto called Analytica, with some serious early-Depeche Mode/New Order vibes. More info + pre-order pages will be online soon!

Ceramic Hello "Symphony Of Shudders" (iMach001)

Analytica "Blackwing" from their self-titled debut LP(Ice Machine - iMach003 LP/digital). Release date 02/14/2020. ORDER:

👉 http://suction.shop/collections/ice-machine
EU/UK/International:
👉 http://suction-eu.shop/collections/ice-machine
Bandcamp (digital + limited physical copies):
👉 http://suctionrecords.bandcamp.com

Excited to announce that next year we're launching a new label, Ice Machine. The label will be dedicated to all things wave/synthpop/postpunk/etc, both old and new. Our first 2 vinyl releases will be released simultaneously on 01/24 - a new pressing of Ceramic Hello's cult 1981 LP, and the debut of a new duo from Toronto called Analytica, with some serious early-Depeche Mode/New Order vibes. More info + pre-order pages will be online soon!

Analytica "Blackwing" (iMach003)

RX-101 "Hearts Utd." from "Serenity"(suction050 2LP/CD/digital).
Release date 02/14/2020. ORDER:
👉 http://suction.shop/collections/rx-101
EU/UK/International:
👉 http://suction-eu.shop/collections/rx-101
Bandcamp (digital + limited physical copies):
👉 http://suctionrecords.bandcamp.com

Don't let the title fool you - Suction Records' latest dive into RX-101's 1997-1999 tape archive is not al lush, serene melodies. On "Serenity," scorched, crunchy, jackhammer beats combine with emotional, plaintive pads, delivering a classic set of vintage-Rephlex-style bliss, a la AFX, Caustic Window, and Cylob.

RX-101 "Hearts Utd." (suction050)

ORDER
Suction Shop: suction.shop
Suction Shop Europe: suction-eu.shop
Bandcamp: suctionrecords.bandcamp.com

Our Ice Machine sublabel is thrilled to present a new, deluxe reissue of “Pow Wow”, the debut 1982 solo LP from Cabaret Voltaire’s Stephen Mallinder. Now expanded to a double-LP, and also released on CD/digital, it’s a definitive reissue which now includes Mallinder’s early solo discography in its entirety. This collection of mutant dub/funk/postpunk sounds just as fresh and contemporary in 2020 as it did in 1982 (note Autechre’s inclusion of standout cut “Del Sol” in a mix earlier this year), and highlights Mallinder’s crucial contributions to Cabaret Voltaire.

Some words from Mr.Mallinder on the scene and era from which “Pow Wow” was born: “It was an interesting, and inspiring, time. The primal caterwaul of punk was dying and lots of really significant things were emerging from the fires. Much looser vibes were in the air and there was a much more exploratory feel. Punk had championed a visceral, anti-intellectual approach but in truth the real characters brought so much more to the table, and what began to happen - from people like The Pop Group to Throbbing Gristle, and emerging scenes from No New York to Factory Records - is we began to embrace the art of it all. There was acknowledgement of the importance of books, films, graphic art, and experimentation with all those mediums. We were just as interested in turning over rocks to see what lay beneath, as throwing them. There was a sense of new magik emerging.”

“Pow Wow” was commissioned by the Fetish Records label, and recorded at the Cabs’ Western Works studio, where Mallinder would spend his days recording with Cabaret Voltaire, and continue on alone into night recording his debut solo material. “I slept very little in those days,” he adds, continuing: “It was done on 8 track and very multi-tracked, so lots of recording, then bouncing, and overdubbing, to get the integrated feel of the tracks. I became very adept at pressing record then jumping onto equipment to play it - it was actually a very 'live' record in that sense. I've always seen rhythm at the core of what I do so I loved the layering of counter rhythms. The sequence/arpeggiator parts were all drum machine triggers that were played live. It was about creating a distinct groove so arrangements came from weaving in and out of those linear grooves. It was fun to play everything from drums, guitars, keys, trumpet, percussion, tapes… and record and produce it all. Prince got it from me!”

Surprisingly, Mallinder’s first solo LP would also prove to be his last - that is, until last year’s critically-acclaimed solo return “Um Dada”, on Dais.

This new edition of “Pow Wow” contains 14 songs, and is housed in a recreation of the original, iconic Neville Brody jacket, painstakingly recreated using scans of Brody’s original artwork elements. The 2LP vinyl edition (with the direct-order-exclusive BABY-BLUE-VINYL edition limited to 300 copies) is in a reverse board, thick-spine jacket, and adds a 12”x24” folded poster/insert, featuring unused elements from Brody’s original designs, sketches, and instructions for the LP. The CD edition comes in a reverse board, 6-panel digipack.

Tracklisting:

1 - Cool Down (edit)
2 - The Devil In Me
3 - 0-58
4 - Pow-Wow
5 - Three Piece Swing
6 - 1-20
7 - 1-37
8 - In Smoke
9 - 1-59
10 - Length Of Time
11 - Going Out
12 - Del Sol
13 - Temperature Drop
14 - Cool Down

2-11 from the Pow-Wow LP on Fetish Records, 1982.
13-14 from the Temperature Drop / Cool Down 12” on Fetish Records, 1981.
12 from the Fetish Records compilation The Last Testament, 1983.
1 edit from the Pow-Wow Plus LP on Fetish Records (Japanese pressing), 1984.

Stephen Mallinder - "Cool Down (Edit)" (iMach004)

"Sleepless Six" by Nordvest
PRE-ORDER:
Europe - http://suction-eu.shop/products/nordvest-grondal
North America - http://suction.shop/products/nordvest-grondal

Artist: Nordvest
Title: Grøndal
Label / CAT#: Suction Records / suction051
Format: Vinyl LP / digital
Release date: July 3, 2020

Suction Records welcomes Roger Semsroth back to the label - having previously released 2 full-length albums with us under his retired electro-pop alias, Skanfrom. “Grøndal” (suction051) is the debut vinyl release under a new alias, Nordvest. These days, Semsroth is best-known for his stark and minimalist techno project, Sleeparchive. The material on Grøndal - icy, melodic, and mostly beatless - is comprised of tracks that were originally released digitally as Sleeparchive, via Bandcamp. The releases were met with general disinterest from Sleeparchive fans, prompting Semsroth to re-brand them as Nordvest, before removing them from Bandcamp altogether.

We’ve chosen 11 highlights from 3 of those digital albums, “Rooftops & Chaotic Streets”, “Scribbles”, and “Sleepless”, for a cohesive 11-track LP of austere, synthetic ambience. Think Tangerine Dream as reinterpreted by Incunabula-era Autechre, and you might be getting somewhere close. While “Rooftops & Chaotic Streets Seven” recalls Sleeparchive, and “Sleepless Six” could very well be a lost Skanfrom track, the rest of the LP clearly warrants a new alias - Nordvest is a new side of Semsroth that we haven’t heard before.

Nordvest - Sleepless Six

RX-101 - "Hearts Utd. (Brainwaltzera Remix)"

Track A1 from RX-101 - "Hearts Utd." (suction052) - an addendum to RX’s recent 2LP “Serenity”, with 5 additional caustic braindance assaults from the archive, alongside a brand new remix by Brainwaltzera.

RX-101 - "Hearts Utd. (Brainwaltzera Remix)"

A small edition of 100 copies of Solvent's "RDJCS5ep", now with all-new artwork and including 2 postcards with photographs of the synth, will been released by Suction Records on 11/27/2020. Available for PRE-ORDER now, only from Suction Records (http://suction.shop), and Bleep (https://bleep.com/release/210931-solvent-rdjcs5ep).

Artist: Solvent
Title: RDJCS5ep
Label / CAT#: Suction Records / suction022 (repress)
Format: 12-inch vinyl EP / digital
Release date: November 27, 2020

Solvent’s “RDJCS5ep” was originally released in 2011 in an edition of 300 copies, and quickly sold out. The EP was made entirely with a very special Yamaha CS-5 synthesizer, owed by David Borean, who now co-runs Suction Records alongside Solvent. This CS-5 was previously owned by Richard D. James and has the liner notes to Aphex Twin’s seminal “Selected Ambient Works Volume II” hand-etched on the bottom of it. Those etchings were photographed and used for SAWII’s artwork.

Fast forward to 2020, and David has decided to sell the Yamaha CS-5 - it’s currently up for auction on Ebay. We decided to use the opportunity to take some new photos, and to create a special 1-off repress of Solvent’s “RDJCS5-ep” to mark the occasion. Our 2020 repress is strictly limited to 100 copies, and comes in an all-new full-colour, reverse board jacket, along with two Yamaha CS-5 postcards. Like the original, our 12” repress contains an additional noise/drone piece at the end of side B. Entitled "Sandpaper”, this cut is individually hand-etched by Solvent, directly cut into the vinyl, for a one-of-a-kind cut/click/loop experience. Here’s what we wrote about the EP in 2011:

Occasionally one reads about some musical instrument with an illustrious past, such as Jimi Hendrix's guitar or John Lennon's piano, selling for exorbitant amounts of money at auction.  And typically, that's the last of it; the instrument disappears into some rich collector's display case, never to be heard from again.  Here then, is a bit of a different story. In April 2006, a Yamaha CS-5 monosynth once owned by Richard D. James (Aphex Twin), with the actual liner notes for his landmark "Selected Ambient Works Volume II" etched into the bottom, was sold at VEMIA auction.  The winning bidder was in fact a friend of Solvent’s, and the synth ended up residing not in a display case, but in Solvent's studio on generous long-term loan.

"RDJCS5ep” - a new 4-track 12-inch / digital EP by Solvent - is the result.  This is suction022.  Each and every sound on this record came from RDJ's old CS-5, painstakingly programmed and multi-tracked by Solvent over the course of several months. The limited capabilities and sound palette of this humble little synth provided quite a challenge but ultimately the results are not merely an exercise in technical synth-nerdery; "RDJCS5ep” speaks more of Solvent's musical kinship to thee Analord. The opening track "Curtains" bears similarity to early Rephlex signing Bochum Welt, while "Radiator," "Mould" and "Tassels" each contain hallmarks of the classic AFX sound.  At the same time, each track also sounds distinctly and unmistakably 'Solvent’.

Suction Records

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