The Observer rides again
Posted: Fri Sep 4, 2009 1:51 pm

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The Observer rides again

Two years after the seminal Heard was released, Tom Bailey AKA International Observer returns with eleven more slices of delectable dub drenched delights, designed to bother bassbins worldwide on October the 5th via the Dubmissions label and Rhythmethod distribution.

Aside from his opening take on the classic, House of the Rising Sun, Felt is an altogether deeper excursion into bass than its predecessors: beats are sparser and the basslines heavier. Lampedusa is inspired by the refugees held in camps on the Italian island of the same name, physically only breaths away from freedom, but practically miles apart.

It is still a joyful affair though, with tracks peppered by his trademark horns and guitar riffs. Plus Popcorn Slavery is as near to his playful pop past as electronic dub is able to go.

A welcome addition to the Observer collection, then, building on the lush ambience of Seen and the good grooves of Heard. Absolute perfect timing as this is the sound of a NZ lazy summer all wrapped up in a little jewel case. Lovely.



Tracklist

1. House of the Rising Dub
2. Popcorn Slavery
3. The Death of Karamov
4. Rose Madder
5. Neelkanth
6. Lampedusa
7. House Made of Felt
8. Mudshark Lick
9. Binman Dub
10. Miss Hit
11. Abode of the Setting Moon

Artist Profile

The chief perpetrator of the International Observer experience is keyboardist, songwriter and producer Tom Bailey. Following the extraordinary success of his synth-pop group The Thompson Twins, production and writing work for the likes of Debbie Harry, and the ambient techno of his Babble project, Tom was lured to New Zealand.

New Zealand culture has a long history of appreciation for reggae and dub, along with more recent blends like hip hop. This, along with NZ's balmy climes, created the perfect inspiration for Tom's exploration of the dub artform he had deeply loved since the seething post-punk infatuation of the music in the late 70s.

Early in 2002, having amassed enough material for a boxed set, Tom set about pruning the oeuvre down to an ideal International Observer primer, called 'Seen'. While he attempted to keep the wraps on this absurdly tasty release, it was somewhat inevitable that previews were sneaked out of seclusion, resulting in extensive radio play worldwide and eager members of the press corps frothing at the mouth for IO morsels. It's been called the lushest, deepest, most caringly crafted dub-a-tronic exploration ever released, a cunning experiment in melodic instrumental dub that, without losing its edge, makes for the most gorgeously seductive meditative listening experience.

This release was followed in 2005 by "All Played Out", a selection of live and sound system favourites that for one reason or another did not make it onto "Seen". Released only in New Zealand and Australia on the cult Auckland label, Round Trip Mars, it followed its predecessor into the hands, boxes and players of discerning dubheads. Some of the tracks from “All Played Out” finally made it out worldwide in 2007 on the “Heard” album through Dubmission Records. Critically acclaimed by the press, it also featured newer tracks and classics such as “The International”.