In the world of sound recordists, those specializing in natural sound form the smallest group. Among that tiny group, very few professionals stand out. And most of these will acknowledge in a heartbeat that of all the pl... more »aces in the world to record creature life, the Antarctic is the most problematical. Where animal life is the least dense on the planet and the weather is generally awful, this polar region provides a test that only the best recordists will survive physically, creatively, and technically. Doug Quin is one of the rare few who has mastered the elements, the equipment and the poetic sense it takes to generate the fine sound art represented here. The only way to hear the other-worldly voices of Weddell, leopard seals, and penguins underwater is with a hydrophone (underwater microphone). Previously, these creatures had been recorded many times. But it takes that special gift of creative imagination, combined with a knowledge of the technology to p! ut together the multi-headed array of hydrophones that produced the stereo/surround events heard on this album. It didn't hurt that the weather gods smiled for Quin while on site. Just remember though, no one has used this type of stereo array in this manner before. And to create this kind of magic with natural sound takes time, enormous patience, perserverance, and a keen compositional sense to make lyrical the material heard on this album. Sounds from the Antarctic present the ultimate test.« less
In the world of sound recordists, those specializing in natural sound form the smallest group. Among that tiny group, very few professionals stand out. And most of these will acknowledge in a heartbeat that of all the places in the world to record creature life, the Antarctic is the most problematical. Where animal life is the least dense on the planet and the weather is generally awful, this polar region provides a test that only the best recordists will survive physically, creatively, and technically. Doug Quin is one of the rare few who has mastered the elements, the equipment and the poetic sense it takes to generate the fine sound art represented here. The only way to hear the other-worldly voices of Weddell, leopard seals, and penguins underwater is with a hydrophone (underwater microphone). Previously, these creatures had been recorded many times. But it takes that special gift of creative imagination, combined with a knowledge of the technology to p! ut together the multi-headed array of hydrophones that produced the stereo/surround events heard on this album. It didn't hurt that the weather gods smiled for Quin while on site. Just remember though, no one has used this type of stereo array in this manner before. And to create this kind of magic with natural sound takes time, enormous patience, perserverance, and a keen compositional sense to make lyrical the material heard on this album. Sounds from the Antarctic present the ultimate test.
CD Reviews
Beautifully crafted piece of work
Julian Knowles | Sydney Australia | 01/09/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"With so many thrown together, poorly recorded, tasteless and cheesy releases in the environmental area, it was incredibly satisfying to hear Doug Quin's 'Antartica'. He is a truly fine recordist and this release sees him working in extremely difficult conditions. Anyone who has tried to record on location will appreciate the skill and finesse of this release. For me the most satisfying track was the hydrophone recording of the Weddell seals - absolutely amazing - like an orchestra of VCS-3 synthesisers! All in all the CD is edited and structured for a very satisfying listening experience without destroying the integrity of the source recordings. This in itself is a bit of an artform - 'composition' no less. My only criticism (which may be more to do with the label than the artist) is that I've read/heard that the CD is mixed in Pro-Logic surround but there is no indication of this on the actual CD. I've only listened in stereo so far but it sounds like there is some surround encoded in there (some quite 'phasey' sections). Must get it up on a Pro-Logic decoder to see what that reveals. This is a minor criticism as for all intents and purposes this is a 'must own' CD. Congratulations to Doug Quin, I'll certainly be looking out for more of his work!"
A Quinian delight for all you Animal Voice Lovers out there!
Julian Knowles | 07/14/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This has got to be the best follow-up CD I have ever heard! I was amazed with the beuty and splender that Oropendola offered me with the rain forest, and I was so happy to finally hear that Antartica had been released. I have been following Doug Quin's work for some time now, and I must say, if he can keep producing work like this, I don't think there is anything that can stop him from being the greatest wildlife recorder of all time. He has developed his own type of music. It is peaceful, relaxing, and exhilerating all in one. If there was one artist I would want to meet, if would have to be The Almighty Douglas Quin."
There is only one word to describe this CD - EXCELLENT!
Julian Knowles | 06/10/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Nothing can beat the quality of the sounds that come through on this CD, I hope that we can hear or listen to many more like them from Doug. Very natural and enjoyable..."
I'm on the ice!
Julian Knowles | 05/09/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow - I played this in Dolby surround and was amazed! The seals and penguins are all around you. Put your slippers on before you attempt this."
Oh Baby It's a Weird World
Robert Carlberg | Seattle | 04/02/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There are soundscapes which seek to immerse you in another time & place, and then there are soundscapes whose purpose seemingly is to make you question reality.
"Antarctica" falls squarely in the latter.
Enduring incredible hardships of sub-zero temperatures, inaccessibly remote locations, equipment not designed for such abuse and animals who spend their lives hiding, Quin emerged from the ice shelves with a sheaf of recordings which must be heard to be believed. There are seals that sound like asthmatic children, penguins who sound like roosters, fish who sound like synthesizers and shifting ice which sounds like nothing else on earth.
Among soundscape recordings this is, hands down, the most hard-fought and bizarre on the market."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1