Here's an insight into the world of The Advisory Circle; something you won't come across very often. If you'll assemble behind me, I'll lead you all down to the infamous Nuclear Substation.
This is one of the key places where it all started for The Advisory Circle. It was always known as the 'Nuclear Substation' to me and my friends, when I was about six or seven years of age. This looming structure seemed to watch our every move, as we swung from tree branches over the river.
Although it wasn't filmed here, fans of the 'Spirit of Dark and Lonely Water' public information film will definitely recognise a certain similarity. At the time, playing by the river really felt like being part of a public information film.
Returning there very recently, after about twenty-five years, I'm glad to report that absolutely nothing has changed. The substation is still comprised of the same components that I remember and just as importantly, the air around it is still filled with the characteristic and evocative 50hz buzzing sound that seemed to change phase as I would would walk alongside the site and the river bank. The sound had remained in my brain for years and forms an Advisory Circle building block, in and of itself.
Thankfully, today's technology allows me to capture the humming sound, using a portable recorder. No doubt my field recording will make it into a future Advisory Circle piece.
It is safe to say that without this particular substation, there would be no Advisory Circle.
- Jb.
