The Great Wound
London-based experimental rockers, the Invisible, have set a new standard for their already-intricate sound. If you’re looking for songs similar to “London Girl,” the band’s single featured on their self-titled debut album, look elsewhere. Sophomore album, Rispah, named after frontman Dave Okumu’s mother, is considerably softer, slower, and rather eerie.
“A Particle of Love” kicks off the album’s eeriness immediately, musically emitting some of the grief Okumu has over the recent death of his mother. You can hear the chants of women, which include his grandmother, woven into the song which they sang over Rispah’s deceased body at her wake. “Lifeline” is another eerie tune and will appeal to the synth-lovers. “What Happened” is quiet, dark and sounds like an interlude and includes more spiritual chants. “Utopia” includes the same frightening sounds from the synth and guitar.
But not every track is like that. Okumu’s vocals on “Surrender” are particularly lovely, and with the help of Tom Herbert’s bass and synth, and Leo Taylor’s drumming, each track has an elusive, dreamy atmosphere.
Rispah is a layered, complicated album that also has the ability to lull you to sleep. This is a tender album, probably best listened to alone the first couple of times and not recommended as the soundtrack to a party. In any case, a great nab for experimental rock fans anywhere.
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