Recorded in two studios — Saint-Petersburg, Russia and Zurich, Switzerland — capturing 5 encounters between experimental improvisers Ilia Belorukov performing on modular synthesizer, and Jason Kahn, who steps away from his electronics and drums in favor of stark vocalizing, each providing perfectly caustic responses to the other's intense and determined tactics.
Format: CASSETTE Condition: New Released: 2020 Country: USA Packaging: Cassette Side A recorded by at Sdvig in Saint-Petersburg, Russia, on September 30th, 2018.
Side B recorded at WIM in Zurich, Switzerland, on Feburary 28th, 2019.
"This studio recording of Jason Kahn (voice) and Ilia Belorukov (modular synthesizer) is tense and taut, as dry, crumbling sonic swathes manifest both as machine and human, facilitating an almost ceremonial liberation. Kahn has historically been known for electronic sounds exhibiting stasis and abrasive, enduring minimalism; as of late his work has been primarily concerned with his own unaltered voice. Belorukov's work exists within the realm of improvised noise and electroacoustics, as he prioritizes a wide range of collaborations. Kahn's voice provides a stark contrast to Belorukov's jagged synthesis, like examining oneself close-up in a mirror. Here, these prolific musicians share a unique, intimate intensity through drastically different approaches."-Notice Recordings
"At times Studio Album is a real treat. Ilia Belorukov and Jason Kahn have released incredible music over the years but combined they have released something else. Both are known for their electronic releases but here Kahn is just contributing his vocals. The combination of Berlorukov's caustic electronics and Kahn's grunts and moans are memorable, to say the least. Kahn's vocal style is somewhere between Yoko Ono's shrill wails and David Thomas' guttural bellows. Kahn sounds like a wounded beast trying to avoid its hunter one frenzied lunge at a time. As it crashes its way through its once peaceful home it is being stalked, mercilessly, at a distance by its predator. This is how Studio Album feels. Berlorukov's stark electronics give Kahn's vocals enough room to breathe, but when they need to, BAM, they give him another swipe to know they still have the will to overpower him."-Fran de Waard, Vital Weekly