Kartio - Sähkömusiikki 2CS

I already mentioned this release back in the first edition of Akti Zine, but as a teacher I feel that it is the repetition that usually correlates with learning, so why not giving a release that deserves it -  a proper amount of attention.

Sähkömusiikki, a double cassette by Kartio is such a fascinating tribute to the innovative spirit of electroacoustic music, reflecting the very unique intersection between creativity and technology. Named after the Finnish word for speaker cone, Kartio serves as an apt moniker for this project led by the legendary (and originally Pori-based) noisemaker Pentti Dassum, a truly notable figure in the Finnish electronic music scene known for his work with both Umpio and Häkki.

This release captures the essence of a not-so-long-ago concluded course in electroacoustic music at the Tampere Konservatorio, where Dassum and a dedicated group of students spent 28 sessions exploring the depths of modular synthesis and the possibilities of what they say is polychronic composition. With the program facing termination, the Sähkömusiikki cassette serves as both a farewell and a celebration of the sonic landscapes they created together during these sessions.

The material presented in this collection showcases an eclectic range of sounds and techniques. By incorporating elements from a repurposed reel-to-reel tape - once home to Italian language lessons, bird calls, and snippets of classical music - the album exemplifies a very resourceful approach to sound creation. This mix of found audio and live manipulation creates a stunning tapestry that honors both past (Italo) and future (Cafe Oto-esque) possibilities in electronic music.

Listeners can expect an adventurous listening experience characterized by fluid transitions between chaotic textures and more serene moments. The tracks unfold more or less like a conversation among the various sound elements, inviting the audience to engage with the layers of meaning and emotion embedded within each piece. The playful experimentation often gives way to unexpected melodic segments, revealing a distinct aesthetic that celebrates the unpredictability of live sound-making.

In essence, Sähkömusiikki stands as a testament to the innovative potential of electroacoustic music, sharing its own unique feel while bowing to the past with respect and outmost style. Hats off.