Oct 26, '08
Category:
MusicGenre:Alternative RockArtist:Imago
(Published for the first issue of The Malolos Academe, June-October 2006)
“We are phrases less spoken,
Abbreviated most of the time…”
These are the lines that always stay in my mind every time I listen to Imago’s first track “freefall”, which is also currently played on air today (NU107.5). It defines people as “taken for granted; wallflower, outcast of society”. Such profound words can only be heard in one of the most influential bands of our generation, Imago.
Maybe you’re wondering, what does “Imago” mean?
According to dictionaries, scientifically speaking, “imago” is an insect in its mature adult stage after metamorphosis. In psychology, “imago” is the Latin word for “image”. But for me, Imago is simply a band you can’t ignore.
The band was exposed in 2001 in their debut album “Probably Not, But Most Definitely” under Viva Records. The band members were Aia de Leon (vocals/rhythms), Zach Lucero (drums), Tim Cacho (lead), and Arvin Gatmaitan (bass). Their tribal-mantra-alternative-rock package doesn’t sound like any band I know. The distinct music of Imago is evident in this album. Every time you listen to each track, you feel like you’re in another dimension. Or if you’re listening to some of its tracks like “Bathala” or “Laya”, you feel like you’re in touch with mother earth. Some of their most popular tracks are “Rainsong” (which was also used in the movie “Tatarin”), an ala-tribal song with undecipherable lyrics, “Otherwise”. A feel-good melody and a profound message to boot (“…and on the fulcrum we stand on, we aim for a better view/but then you trip over faultlines of which you never knew/then you start to mail all of the blame/find it on your backdoor next day…”), and “Idlip”, which showcases the tremendous belting of Aia’s ala-Tori Amos/Bjork. It was also Aia who made the album’s lyrics, thanks to her incredible poetic songwriting skill. Their first album was not that successful, despite also of their lack of exposure.
But in 2004, Imago had a big comeback with their new carrier single “Akap” on their new released album “Take 2!”, which was also their independent album under an independent company, Thirdline Inc. in addition of their comeback, the band officially welcomed their new member Myrene Academia as their new bassist, which is also the bassist for Sandwich. The album, produced by Varispeed Productions (a production company of Raymund Marasigan and Buddy Zabala of Eraserheads) and was mastered at Tweak Studio owned y Zach Lucero, is a testament that there is much room for indies - those with raw talent at least - in the Philippine music scene. This album, however, is much different from their first album. “Unbridled” is the best word to describe the overall tune of it. They became experimental to some tracks, which was mixed upwith some rap upbeat like “Reset” and “Gratitude”, but some tracks remained as alternative as ever, without that ethnic beat they used to do in their first one. Some popular tracks include “Freefall”’ “Taning”, and “Anino”.
Aia’s lyrics are still as pensive and poetic as she did on their first album. Tim’s riffs are sharp, underscoring the band’s raw rock influences. Zach still got that beat, and new member Myrene provides the heart-pounding bass. In general, Imago flaunts a familiar sound in this album, with fresh influences that give it modern – even an electronic – twist.
The verdict: want something mellow but no too emotional? Then their first album is a must-buy. You can request for it at Tower records. But if you want something playful, grab a copy of their second album, which has also some bonus remix tracks.
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