Solvent - Operating Ease

Less is more. A concept that is almost lost in today's electronica. Enter Solvent - Toronto's Jason Amm's one man brain child that keeps it simple and classic with clarity and emotional resonance. Using the sounds of keyboards past and pulling from his many influences - Human League, Yazoo, Skinny Puppy, Depeche Mode, Soft Cell, and Aphex Twin - he takes his sound to the most charming and sincere side of the 80's, and takes it up a few steps.

Apples & Synthesizers is a wonderous piece of work, taking bedroom composition to a pleasing level of understated tones and emotion. It is the most recent release on Suction Records, the record label he founded with Gregory De Rocher of Lowfish. This album has some new directions for Amm, but keeps his same musical vision in place. I don't think I have every heard anyone pull off this much feeling via electro. But don't get the idea that this is some sappy, emotionally wrought bit - he keeps a good tinge of darkness that swirls around, just under the surface. All topped of with some solid poppin' beats and an ever so playful edge.