LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER’s Circuit Bent Spectacle: Speak and Spell of the Underground

LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER takes us on a wild journey into the world of circuit bending, starting with a classic tool of the craft – the Speak and Spell. From the moment he signs off his latest track, it’s clear that we’re about to dive headfirst into a teeming cauldron of sonic possibilities. He’s no stranger to modifying these nostalgic devices, and he’s back to create something that’s a nod to the genre’s origins. With mentions of Reed Gazala, the godfather of circuit bending, and Casper Electronics, a hub for early bending enthusiasts, the stage is set. LMNC delves into his cluttered treasure trove, resembling a mad scientist’s laboratory more than a musician’s workspace, to retrieve his supplies for this electronic adventure. His dedication to the craft shines through as he recalls the impact these chaotic creations had on his formative years. As he lines up plans and past experiments, we’re reminded of the delicate art and rebellious spirit of circuit bending.

A Speak and Spell on its own may recite spellings, but with LMNC’s touch, it takes a detour down sonic insanity. Armed with tools, schematics, and a penchant for bending the rules, he embarks on modifying this childhood relic. Decisions abound as he chooses between British and American versions, marvelling at the regional differences in voice-overs. The decision is swift as curiosity wins, opting for the British variant that humorously numbers. As he deconstructs the device, he uncovers the challenges posed by time-worn screws and the nuances of potentiometer placements. Patience is a scarce commodity, but his persistence in crafting perfectly-sized holes showcases his skill. This isn’t a task for the faint-hearted, but his trusted drill and adept hands weave a blend of surgical precision and creative flair. The plastic shell transforms into a canvas, adorned with knobs and switches, each finding its snug spot. LMNC’s candidness reveals the blissful unpredictability of circuit bending, and as he gets these components in place, anticipation for the ensuing chaos builds.

Wiring a Speak and Spell into a circuit-bent masterpiece is akin to a punk rock ballet, full of improvisation and surprises. LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER delves deeper into the wiring labyrinth that is circuit bending. With each solder and heat shrink, there’s a whimsical dance between chaos and creativity. The nuances of resistor values and voltage paths form a symphony of technical hurdles that he navigates with verve. There’s no textbook in sight; instead, there’s imagination soldered into every connection. Discussing re-routing connections and troubleshooting, he hums with industrious energy. The components begin to communicate in a language of pitched madness and unpredictable glitches. What emerges is not a mere modification but an instrument reborn with a new identity. Here, precision meets punk ethos, as LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER teaches a lesson in turning the mundane into marvellous mayhem.

In the cacophony of wires and circuit boards, LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER transforms silence into a soundscape of delightful bedlam. As he pieces his Speak and Spell back together, the anticipation thickens. Adjustments are made on the fly, chips swapped, and switches tested until the whole contraption leaps to life. Circuit-bent Speak and Spells aren’t known for their predictability, and that’s precisely their charm – a veritable box of surprises waiting to be unleashed. Each switch flick and button press reveal an avalanche of otherworldly noises, each more unexpected than the last. The enthusiasm is infectious as he discovers what eldritch sounds these vintage keys can conjure. From looping glitches to rhythmic loops, each button invites sonic chaos. His joy in finding new bends and glitches reflects the heart of experimental synthesis, where creativity is king, and the unexpected reigns supreme. With each screech and wail, LMNC underscores why circuit bending is both an art and a science.