Imago celebrates 12th year with new album

Seems like only yesterday when they became part of the local band explosion in the late ’90s but would you believe that Imago is now 12 years old? That is how long these guys have been around. The first album Probably Not But Most Definitely was released shortly after the group was formed in 1998. However the early times were marked by fits and starts for the group. Think label changes and lack of marketing support. Back then very few people knew what was going on with them while the rest did not even know that such a band existed.

To the credit of members Myrene Academia on bass; Tim Cacho on lead guitars, Zach Lucero on drums; and lead vocalist Aia de Leon, nobody thought of giving up. They knew they had a good thing going and were sure they would one day reap their rewards. The turnaround came four years later. Like the first CD, the next one, titled Take Two was made up of original materials. Three singles coming one after the other did the trick. Idlip came first followed by Akap and Anino effectively introduced Imago to the public. By the time they got to the third CD, Blush, they were ready for the success of their biggest seller Taralets.

Other hits followed giving Imago the reputation of one of the few, totally solid, most musically savvy bands around. Ewan in the tribute album to the Apo Hiking Society, Sundo, Walang Misterio and Under Repair also from the Gold Album awardee Blush, and a few weeks ago, there came Huling Yakap Sa Mundo from the new, again all-original album Effect Desired None, with which Imago is celebrating its 12th year.

The CD hews closer to pop than rock and remains true to the Imago style. Easy driving beat, clear guitars and Aia de Leon’s distinctive vocals. Aia’s sweet but powerful singing is Imago’s most identifiable feature. But it should also be acknowledged that all the songs they have recorded are shared undertakings by the whole band. I like it that they have not succumbed to the careless, garahe style of other bands around and I like it that their melodies flow effortlessly and most of all that they have no qualms about being nice or romantic.

That is the heartbroken martyr lover of Huling Yakap Sa Mundo, which must be Imago’s most sentimental song to date. I have a feeling this will be another crossover hit like Taralets but into the ballad market. Watch out too for the catchy title track. Effect Desired None, plus Bawal and Sagad, a good song for driving around. For long time fans there are Sutil, Premonition and the one closest to the established Imago sound, Yahoo.

Maybe it is because these guys are older and contemplating what has happened and what is to come that they show more spirituality here than in their previous releases. Sa Ngalan Mo is from a sinner asking for mercy. Can I is a young lover’s prayer. And Spare Change Glitter is about being steadfast despite snags in a relationship. The rhythms vary but Imago has its own sound down pat. Fans will not be disappointed and those meeting Imago for the first time via this album will have lots to like.

Coincidentally Urbandub, the progressive rock band from Cebu of the hits The Fight Is Over, Evidence, Guillotine, First Of Summer and Endless A Silent Whisper is turning 10 this year. Members Gabby Alipe on lead vocals and guitar; John Dinopol on lead guitar and vocals; Lalay Lim on bass and vocals; and Janjan Mendoza on drums, are celebrating with a concert. This is Urbandub: Ten Years Of Influence, which will be held at Music Museum in Greenhills, San Juan on Oct. 22.

Urbandub’s latest album is The Apparition. The experimental collection is made up of The Apparition, Face In The Woods, What This Night Brings, A Call To Arms, Tongues Like Knives, Bright City Kids, Stars & The Sun, We Kept It Hidden, Good Morning Bones and the single release Gravity. Urbandub leans towards a harder, heavier rock sound than most local bands. So if you like your rock music to have lots of grit and energy, this is the band for you.