Deep Sea and Drum Machines

Creatures Of The Abyss

Judith Tarr | Reactor | 22nd September 2025 | U

For an exercise in science fictional thinking, look no further than this planet. The ocean depths host truly fantastical creatures — like the zombie worm, which lives on the fat inside the bones; or the anglerfish, her mate quite literally fused to her to make babies; or the cute dumbo octopus, with ear-like fins to propel 23,000 feet below the surface. They live their lives in a world “as alien to us as the storms of Jupiter” (1,300 words)

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Stick To The Beat

Chris Dalla Riva | Tedium | 21st September 2025 | U

Appraisal of the drum machine, which simulates the sounds of acoustic drums and other percussive instruments, invented in the late 1970s. Its impact on pop music was subtle, but huge. It “entrenched our obsession with 4/4 time”. It also influenced how rhythms were played. Naturally perfect and programmed to play at 117 beats per minute, the drum machine caused human drummers to play as rigidly (3,200 words)