International Observer

International Observer

International Observer is a London group centred on keyboardist, songwriter and producer Tom Bailey, with Rakai Karaitiana also part of the act. Bailey comes to the project after success with the post-punk synth-pop group Thompson Twins, writing and production work for Deborah Harry, and the ambient techno project Babble. He later moves to New Zealand, where the country’s long-standing interest in reggae and dub, as well as newer hybrids such as hip hop, helps shape the project’s direction.

Style and approach

The project focuses on dub drawn out into slow, spacious forms, with instrumental textures, strong low end and an ambient, meditative quality. Bailey has loved dub since the late 1970s, and International Observer develops that interest into sound system music and long-form live sets.

Live work and reputation

International Observer develops in Auckland, where the act appears at various events over a number of years. It becomes known for marathon five-hour performances built around carefully assembled dub landscapes.

Recordings

In 2002, Bailey compiles material into Seen, presented as an introduction to the project. The release appears on Different Drummer in the UK and Beautiful Music in New Zealand. It attracts extensive radio play and press attention. In 2005, All Played Out follows, gathering live and sound system favourites that do not appear on Seen; it is issued in New Zealand and Australia on Round Trip Mars, the Auckland label run by Stinky Jim. Heard follows in 2007 on Dubmission Records, with selected tracks from All Played Out alongside live material and new recordings.