The Invisible | |
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Origin | South East London, United Kingdom |
Genres | |
Years active | 2006 | –present
Labels | Ninja Tune, Accidental |
Associated acts | Hot Chip, Jessie Ware, Kwes, Matthew Herbert, Micachu, Polar Bear |
Website | Official blog |
Members |
Dave Okumu Tom Herbert Leo Taylor |
The Invisible are an English band based in London, United Kingdom and fronted by the singer and guitarist Dave Okumu. The band formed as Okumu's solo project but quickly developed into a full-fledged band with friends Tom Herbert (bass & synthesizer) and Leo Taylor (drums). Their self-titled debut album, released on 9 March 2009, was nominated for the Mercury Prize and selected as critics choice for iTunes album of the year.
The Invisible began in 2006 with Okumu, who – encouraged by Matthew Herbert to record solo material – soon realised he required the input of friends Leo Taylor (formerly of Gramme and Zongamin) and Tom Herbert (a member of Polar Bear (British band) and Acoustic Ladyland) to make real the sounds inside his head. Herbert's Accidental Records spawned the production of the band's first official release, the one-track 7 inch vinyl "Constant" in early 2008.
The name arrived after the three began writing. The moniker is a nod to the writing of Irish philosopher and poet John O'Donohue, who articulated the notion that humans exist in parallel worlds – the visible and the invisible; one physical, one spiritual.
In February 2008 the band's single "Monster's Waltz", made available through their MySpace page, was promoted by BBC Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe. Playing numerous live dates and supporting bands such as Foals and Hot Chip,The Invisible's exploratory, expansive pop music continued to gather attention over the following months. The band's third single, "London Girl", received widespread and attention and praise upon release in December 2008.
The Invisible released their eponymous debut album on 9 March 2009. Produced by Matthew Herbert, The Invisible was nominated for the Mercury Prize and selected as critics choice for iTunes album or the year.
Their singles have been remixed by a number of acts, including Matthew Herbert, Micachu, Joe Goddard of Hot Chip and Kwes.