David Officer's new work evokes Scott and Amundsen's struggles And now, Stonehaven-based recording artist, David Officer, has used the courage and sacrifice shown by both men as the inspiration for his new recording. "Fram" was created earlier this year in a project inspired by Amundsen and Scott's bid to reach the South Pole and the physical release of the vinyl was made possible by a successful Kickstarter campaign which drew support from the Fram Museum in Oslo and led to a performance in front of the King and Prime Minister of Norway. Drawing Dæmons (pronounced the same as demons) is the alter-ego of Aberdeenshire musician and artist, Officer, who explores sound, culture and imagery using field recordings, manipulations and synthesizers alongside photography, drawing and other forms of visual art. The 'Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration' spanned the years 1897-1922 and included some of the most famous explorers who ever lived, men such as Ernest Shackleton, Robert Scott and Amundsen. It was a period where spirit and will were deemed more admirable than technical proficiency. A line of thought which no doubt contributed to the demise of many men. The record takes it's name from the ship which Amundsen used to reach the Antarctic - Fram (forward). They made their base camp at the Bay of Whales and it was soon renamed Framheim - the home of Fram. Both stories are inspirational, and both men were courageous leaders who battled against the elements to be pioneers. They did it merely because it was there and they dared to explore. As David said: "I had decided I wanted to make a record which sounded like the Antarctic and which had a spirit of exploration about it. Tensions It had to encompass the vast expanse of the Antarctic plateau while also capturing the tension present in both camps. To do this I used synths and manipulations of acoustic recordings to create the desired atmosphere. I wanted it to have a cold feeling so I focused on electronic rhythms and harsh synths. One track opens with a recording of gale force winds battering the listener before a sinister bassline summons the spirit of exploration and a stiff upper lip, signalling the demise of Scott. The record finishes with Heim, which is an exploration of relief and regret. Amundsen had accomplished his goal and was on his way back home. Then he was told the news of Scott's tragic death. Fram is available as digital download and a limited edition heavyweight vinyl via Daemons website or bandcamp page. www.daemonsmusic.co.uk