split by Jim Capps / Cornelius F. Van Stafrin III

Jim Capps and Cornelius F Van Stafrin III are two distinct experimental artists based in Greenville. NC, frequently sharing bills on countless Hot Releases-related shows over the years.

Jim Capps has operated in several discrete modes since the mid-00s, from harsh bacchanal bareskin noise to more sober, bloody-knuckled acoustic percussion improvisation (both under the Birth Rattle moniker) to oft-rhythmic noise (as Spare Child). His portion of this split captures the sound of recent live sets - distorted acid industrial improv that's glancingly evocative of Schmerzlabor and the Dutch kick of Bunker, in synthesis with a history in harsh noise. Capp's entire creative output is linked by inspired, non-careerist rawness that exists truly in the moment. This is Jim Capps first release under his real name, and his first release period in about a decade.

Cornelius F Van Stafrin III's performances are genuinely esoteric and entrancing sight-specific rituals usually involving reel-to-reels, harmonium, record player, noise-boxes with built in speakers, contact mic'd surfaces, a Russolo instrument on occasion, projections, flame and elemental objects: bones, plants, stones, etc. One of the most memorable live moments I've ever experienced was a crowd standing in silence for five minutes after an incredible set in a woodland backyard show on Halloween night in 2021. His portion of the split is a pleasurable tangent, eschewing the acoustic elements of his work and instead using electronics to create deep, meditative soundworks.

There are (at least) two ways to listen to this release: the cassette version features one artist on either side, while the digital version alternates tracks from each, somehow flowing magnificently despite the different individual styles.