I had been waiting for The Invisible‘s second outing for quite some time – three years now since their 2009 Mercury Music Prize nominee. Released on June 11 on Ninja Tune, Rispah delivered but in a completely different way that I had expected.
The trio, fronted by Dave Okumu and best known for their electro beats and experimental rock, take a rather spiritual approach to Rispah, described as a “love letter to grief” following the death of Okumu’s mother. There are obvious influences throughout the album, most noticeably Radiohead on Wings and The Wall, but the album as a whole feels like The Invisible are trying to hone their own sound. There is a deliberate minimal feel to Rispah, with continuous and elaborate synth lines and varied percussion maintaining themselves throughout the album.
The standout track is Wings with its mesmerizing drums and synth work. Floating Points (Eglo Records), another favourite of mine, was hired to do the official remix, slated for release on July 9. Listen to the remix below – a dreamy and articulate production by Sam Shepherd.
Watch the official video for Wings here:
