There is a distinct biological surrealism to the name Erdfisch. A portmanteau of the German words for “soil” and “fish,” the neologism suggests an organism traversing two contrasting elements.

This duality perfectly frames the debut collaboration between Athens-based guitarist Marius Mathiszik and Ruhr Area sound artist Henning Rohschürmann. Today, we are thrilled to premiere ‘Schafe,’ a standout cut from their self-titled album arriving January 26, 2026, via tier.debut.

While Mathiszik and Rohschürmann share a history of live, energetic rave improvisations, Erdfisch sees the duo moving inward. The album was constructed through a process of “nonsimultaneous improvisation,” where impromptu live takes were recorded over three years and meticulously arranged into coherent, symphonic pieces. The result is a sound of granulated instruments and modular synths, stitched together by the distinct noises of their surroundings.

‘Schafe’ (German for “Sheep”) epitomizes this unique methodology. Navigating the space between Post-Kraut motorik and experimental sound art, the track feels like a journey through a hexed pasture. True to Mathiszik’s observation on the influence of “crows, cats, and sheep,” the piece integrates field recordings into its very rhythm… It is cinematic yet grounded, offering a “shared sense of humor” that finds beauty in the abstraction of everyday madness.

<a href="https://tierdebut.bandcamp.com/album/erdfisch">Erdfisch by Erdfisch</a>

‘Erdfisch’ releases on January 26, 2026, on tier.debut. It will be available digitally and on limited edition cassette featuring risograph artwork by Panos Baras.

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