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A Darker Electricity

The Origins of the Spiral Tribe Sound System

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A Darker Electricity

By: Mark Angelo Harrison
Narrated by: Mark Angelo Harrison
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About this listen

At the time, it was unclear why the UK government targeted the Spiral Tribe travelling sound system. Even after arresting many key members and launching one of Britain's biggest court cases against them.

Was it really because they were a marauding horde of anarcho-techno-pirates, their outlandish music calling a generation to rise up in rebellion against conservatism, convention, and even consensus reality?

Or was it because, as pioneers of the 1990s free party movement, championing the new British breakbeat and European techno sound, they were reclaiming social space in warehouses and out under the stars?

Each weekend they pulled ever bigger crowds away from consumer culture. No superstar DJs, no door policy and everyone dancing together as equals. An inspiring, unifying force of creativity.

As Spiral Tribe's co-founder and visual artist (or as the Crown Prosecutor described him, 'the criminal ringleader' who'd helped 'mastermind' Britain's 'biggest ever illegal rave' at Castlemorton), Mark Angelo Harrison has a unique perspective to tell their inside story. He vividly charts their nomadic journey and the rapid escalation of their popularity - and notoriety.

From small squat-scene parties in London to enormous warehouse raves and free festivals. From one little overloaded van to the mighty convoy of matt-black military vehicles that instigated the teknivals of Europe.

©2024 Mark Angelo Harrison (P)2024 Velocity Press
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Wild, Nostalgic, Immersive

This was a fantastic journey into a pivotal moment in music culture and history - from a unique, yet central perspective. I listened to this on holiday and it was ideal, and couldn't put it down. What an incredible story, and sound system, I recommend this to anyone who was alive / active in the free-party movement, and anyone who would like to know what it felt like to be at the heart of it.

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Superb.

Was living in a huge red converted Bedford removals lorry back in the day. It was a lifestyle living like land pirates outside of normal society. Went to so many free festivals including,of course, Castlemoreton. When the sound systems joined the free festival scene it was absolutely wonderful. It revitalised the scene and united all the anti establishment factions of society. Happy daze!
I wonder what music would be like now had it not happened?
I've read much and listened to many podcasts about those days and nothing comes close describing it as accurately as this. Hat's off to you!

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Takes me back

When I was in my late teens 1991 the scene was mental, almost as if you were part of a massive collective of likeminded souls looking for the ultimate party to share you journey with. I must admit that I was a bit afraid of Spiral Tribe as it had a bit of a reputation mostly fuelled by unknowledgeable press or scare stories by others that didn’t get the vibe, but everyone I met at several parties I went to were really amazing people. This book takes me back to a simpler time, no phones, no social media lovely. Thank you Mark for a great insight into history of ST, was very very inlighting. Forward to future my good man and keep breaching the peace.

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Techno Mad, Tech Nomad - SP23

As a regular DJ for Spiral Tribe, Adrenalin, and a core member of Bedlam, I was there in the middle of this unbelievable story of true events.. Also hearing Mark read this himself just added to the entertainment.

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History lesson

A fantastic tale of a fantastic journey. The narration is spot on and the sound design goes above and beyond the scores of audiobooks pulled out of studios that doesn’t care about the arts, in the same way as the spiral lot. Punctuating the story throughout the book with sound effects and the occasional banger track. Highly recommend for deep dive into freetekno culture

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