Invisible System

Invisible System

Invisible System is a UK group led by Dan Harper. Based around Harper’s work as a producer, musician and sound engineer, the project develops through a shifting studio base and a changing line-up of contributors.

Style and approach

The group mixes Ethiopian music with dance, psychedelic rock, trance, funk, world music, dub, reggae and drum and bass, and also draws on African vocals and traditional instruments. The project is associated with a fusion sound that combines Ethiopian roots material with electronic beats, brass, and live instrumentation.

Recording and releases

One of its releases is Punt (Made in Ethiopia), recorded in Ethiopia and the UK and issued on Harper Diabate Records. Harper plays guitar, bass synthesizer, didgeridoo and percussion on the recording, alongside engineering, mastering and CD design work. The album includes appearances by Mahmoud Ahmed, Bahta Gebrehiwot, Hilaire Chabby, Justin Adams, Juldeh Camara, Joie Hinton, Martin Cradick, Captain Sensible, Ed Wynne, Simon Hinkler, Dubulah, Perch, Elmer Thudd, Gary Woodhouse and other Ethiopian musicians and guests.

Collaborations and related work

Harper has done remixes for Zion Train, Jesus Jones and Baka Beyond, and writes for Suns of Arqa. He also works with Justin Adams and Juldeh Camara, Ozric Tentacles, Mahmoud Ahmed, Dub Colossus, Simon Hinkler of The Mission, Captain Sensible, Hilaire Chabby of Baba Maal, Elmer Thudd of Loop Guru, Eat Static, Temple of Sound, Gary and Dennis of The Rhythmites, and others. He puts together Dub Colossus after inviting Dubulah to Ethiopia to connect with the artists he is working with, and he records the Ethiopian material before the project continues with Realworld. He also has a co-write on the BBC programme Long Way Down with Ewan McGregor through Realworld.

Live work and wider activity

Invisible System develops live sets with a more jam-based reggae, dub, dance and drum-and-bass direction, with Dennis from The Rhythmites on vocals and MC duties. Harper also reviews music gear and produces samples for Future and Computer Music, teaches music technology, manages youth music, art and social development programmes, and works in live engineering and the marketing of his microphones and label. The project is also linked to an online presence through a website, Facebook group and Facebook page, with additional material and free tracks mentioned there.

Reception and radio play

Punt receives radio play on outlets including BBC Late Junction, BBC Asian Network, BBC World Service, New Zealand radio, and stations in the USA and Europe. It also receives reviews in outlets including the Financial Times, The Independent, The Guardian, fRoots, MOJO, Songlines, The Telegraph, Rock N Reel, World Music Network and AllMusic.

Performances

The group plays live in connection with festivals and other events, including Thimbleberry Festival.