The Dassing brothers first began experimenting with music by the means of more traditional rock music instruments, such as guitar and drums. By the time the two formed their first band with vocalist Rich Mendez, Benestrophe, the instruments of choice became synthesizers and samplers. Most of the two tapes worth of material they recorded subsequently became available as the releases Auric Fires and Sensory Deprivation on RAS DVA records. After parting ways with Mendez, the two brothers began work as Mentallo and the Fixer.