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Jun 16, 2016 The Invisible By Charles Steinberg

The mood of an album is often a direct corollary of the emotional state of its creators during the period of its conception. It seems that this was the first time in a while that the members of The Invisible were making music free from personal complications. Patience has a radiance to it and a noticeably grander production spectrum than the raw session feel of their 2009 eponymous debut and New Age electro-funk shades, à la TV on the Radio, of their 2012 sophomore effort, Rispah (which was partly inspired by the passing of frontman Dave Okumu’s mother). Tight grooves are still the driver, but now open up into flourishes of spontaneity that brighten the space like vivid bouquets. On Patience, the trio of Okumu, Tom Herbert, and Leo Taylor have introduced planes and showers of synth for greater depth of field, while percussive tempos have elasticity and newfound levity, with some tracks embodying the bouncy comfort of a new pair of running shoes.

A number of collaborators including Sam Shepherd (Floating Points), Connan Mockasin, and Jessie Ware are welcome guests in this collective celebration emblematic of a fresh outlook. “Life’s Dancers” and the Rosie Lowe energized “Different” skip ahead with the smooth groove vibe reminiscent of the dawn of soul music’s modern era characterized by neo-funk and avant-garde electronic jazz. “Love Me Again” (featuring Anna Calvi) sounds straight off of the Jai Paul album that never had a proper release for whatever reason, adding even more dimension. The steady consistency throughout is kept by Okumu’s feathered intonation, keeping the temperature cool and embodying the smooth textures of beach stones.

If personal hardship can dictate the tone of a collection of songs recorded during its endurance, so too can turning the corner of recovery into a clearing where your blessings are counted in rhythms. Patience reflects this alacrity. (www.facebook.com/theinvisiblethree)

Author rating: 7/10