The magnetic field was based around the book ‘Les champs magnetiques‘ which Andre Breton wrote. The authors of the book used an automatic writing technique to create the book. It is considered as the first work of literacy surrealism. It is also known to be Surrealist rather than Dadaist as it attempts to create something unique and new rather than a reaction to an existing piece of work.
The book is characterised by its language as it ‘borders on the nonsensical’. This is as a result of it being written using the automatic writing surrealist process but is considered more logical than other processes like exquisite corpse.
Here’s an extract from the book (from the English-language version):
It was the end of sorrow lies. The rail stations were dead, flowing like bees stung from honeysuckle. The people hung back and watched the ocean, animals flew in and out of focus. The time had come. Yet king dogs never grow old – they stay young and fit, and someday they might come to the beach and have a few drinks, a few laughs, and get on with it. But not now.
The book is structured in an interesting way. It’s division in terms of the chapters within the book is when the writers stopped writing at the end of the day. The next chapter was started the next morning. This adds to the surreal and weird way that this book is characterised and structured to create meaning.
The Magnetic Field also has other references in music, for instance. Its also an American ‘Indie Pop’ group that was recognised and led by Stephin Merrit. The Magnetic field is fundamentally instrument for his songwriting following with numerous other projects such as ‘The 6th, Future bible heroes and the Gothic Archies.’
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