Obi

Obi is a UK britpop band formed in 2000. The group line-up consists of Damian Katkhuda on lead vocals and guitar, Tom Worsley on bass and keyboard, Dom Hazlehurst on electric guitar, and Ben Kempton on drums.

Releases and style

The band releases its short album The Magic Land of Radio in 2002, followed in 2003 by Diceman Lopez. That second release is described as having been developed during a stay in southern France and then recorded in London that spring. Obi’s sound is described in contrasting terms, with the earlier record associated with melodic, travel-friendly songs and the later release compared with a fairground soundtrack. The group is also described as having a distinctive style rather than fitting neatly into comparisons with other acts.

Live activity

Obi develops a cult following in the UK and undertakes numerous tours and support slots. The band also plays Glastonbury in 2003 in the acoustic tent. The group appears to be on hiatus, while Damian Katkhuda forms another band with film composer and music producer Damian Montagu.

Related act with the same name

Another artist using the name Obi is Tobias Lüke, a German DJ and producer born in 1982 in Greven, Germany, whose work is associated with techno, house and trance, and with the TekkTribe label and event project. This is a separate act from the UK band.