If you’ve ever been in a band and tried to put together a split with another band, you probably know that there’s a ton of things that can interrupt any plans that dare to be made. I don’t imagine that’s less the case for a record label trying to coordinate one split offering, let alone an entire series thereof, but people do it. Ripple Music and Spinda Records and Heavy Psych Sounds come most immediately to mind in terms of successful split series, and now Ukrainian imprint Robustfellow Productions is throwing its hat in the ring.

Robust Split Series will pair Ukrainian acts with international, from-elsewhere types, and what’s been called ‘Season 1’ has been partially unveiled as a set of five tapes that, if you subscribe, come complete with a box to hold them. If you know the label’s work, you know they’re no stranger to in-depth packaging or support for the native Ukraine underground. This would seem to combine those elements while continuing as well to spread their international reach.

Beyond whatever logistical challenges may crop up, it is an admirable purpose. More details to come, but for now, this from the PR wire:

Robust Split Series (RSS) is a completely new direction created and curated by Robustfellow Prods.

The label will acquire an ampoule of Choloepus Didactilus, a majestic two-toed sloth. As this sloth has only two toes, so the vinyl and tape have only two sides.

Robust Split Series (Season 1) is a box of 5 cassettes, where each tape includes a band from Ukraine on one side and a band from another country on another side.

Season 1 will be dedicated to sludge/doom and all that’s slow and heavy. 10 bands from 3 continents representing 6 countries will share heaviness via “Robust Split Series” cassette BOX.

Analog fetish esthetics at its best.

Tarot inspired artwork by the finest robust artist – Yuri Nagorniy

RSS001 Kasu Weri [UA] / Taser [FI]
RSS002 Celophys [UA] / Radian [US]
RSS003 TBA
RSS004 TBA
RSS005 TBA

Pre-order available at this location: https://robustfellow.bandcamp.com/album/robust-split-series-season-1

You’ll be able to purchase a single cassette tape or trust the sloth and subscribe for a collectible BOX.

https://www.facebook.com/RobustfellowProds
https://www.instagram.com/robustfellow_prods
http://www.robustfellow.bandcamp.com

Various Artists, Robust Split Series Season 1 (2021)