Onega (vol. 2)

Uhushuhu, the Dilijan-based duo of Pavel Miheev and Svetlana Artemyeva, furthered their exploration of site-specific soundscapes with the 2022 album Onega (vol. 2). This three-track release functions as a continuation of their sonic documentation of the Karelia region, specifically focusing on the environmental textures found around Lake Onega. The music is defined by a dense layering of dark ambient drones and processed field recordings that evoke the desolate, cold atmosphere of the Russian North. While the project frequently collaborates with labels like Zoharum, this album highlights their mastery of independent, long-form composition blending psychedelic elements with noise-ambient textures. Throughout the work, the duo employs organic feedback and slow-moving synth washes to create an immersive, cavernous sense of space. Onega (vol. 2) serves as a significant entry in the year’s drone output, illustrating Uhushuhu's ability to translate geographic isolation into a meditative audio experience. The tracks remain grounded in the group’s signature style of deep listening, where natural acoustics and electronic manipulation exist in a constant, subtle flux.