In Search of Sonic Oblivion

Author: Matthew Gooderson
Published: Tue 04 Jan 2022
Episode Link: https://shows.acast.com/playinthesystem/episodes/play-s2-ep1-harry-sword

I am delighted to welcome the amazing Harry Sword onto the show. Harry wrote my favourite book of last year called Monolithic Undertow In Search of Sonic Oblivion.

The book alights a crooked path across musical, religious and subcultural frontiers. It traces the line from ancient traditions to the modern underground, navigating archaeoacoustics, ringing feedback, chest plate sub-bass, avant-garde eccentricity, sound weaponry and fervent spiritualism. From Neolithic beginnings to bawdy medieval troubadours, Sufi mystics to Indian raga masters, cone shattering dubwise bass, Hawkwind’s Ladbroke Grove to the outer reaches of Faust and Ash Ra Temple; the hash-fueled fug of The Theatre of Eternal Music to the cough syrup reverse hardcore of Melvins, seedy VHS hinterland of Electric Wizard, ritual amp worship of Earth and Sunn O))) and the many touch points in between, Monolithic Undertow explores the power of the drone – an audio carrier vessel capable of evoking womb like warmth or cavernous dread alike.

Down the Rabbit Hole

I have also introduced a new feature to the show where I go down the rabbit hole and explore a particular sonic idea. in this episode, I explore the concept of the Four Track as an Instrument. I hope you like the feature

Patreon

I have also set up a pattern for Play in the System where you can subscribe. The different tiers bring different levels of goodies from just being a fan of the show, to getting access to the sounds from Down the Rabbit hole, all the way to mentorship. If you are interested, please click the link.

https://www.patreon.com/playinthesystem

Thank you Players for your support!! and Happy New Year!

Matt Gooderson x

Links:

Monolithic Undertow the Book

https://www.whiterabbitbooks.co.uk/titles/harry-sword/monolithic-undertow/9781474615235/

Jamie Lidell's Hanging Out With Audiofiles

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/hanging-out-with-audiophiles/id1279148418

Rob Young - Electric Eden

http://www.electriceden.net/

Robert Macfarlane - Underland

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/apr/30/underland-a-deep-journey-by-robert-macfarlane-review