Nautical Almanac is the combination of two
sensibilities in recombinant/circuit-bent electronics. James Twig Harper and Carly Ptak's invented instruments, derived from a combination of cast-off consumer junk and elaborate re systemization using baroque, dream-like circuitry, are a separate genus of instrument from any other electronics. The resulting sounds, weighted with small, personal choices and
aesthetic variations indicate that they are nearly a separate species from each other. Their performances are wild, pataphysical, hebephrenic, and above all, playful. Ian Nagoski, Harper and Ptak have released several recordings together, co-founded Tarantula Hill (a performance
space, recording and art studio, and communal living situation in West Baltimore), and HereSee, a record label. Harper's recent solo disc on HereSee is Brain Wave; Ptak's is Prepare Yourself.