Filipino indie rock outfit We Are Imaginary: The war against silence

In their new album, “Silence is the Villain,” Filipino indie rock outfit We Are Imaginary gives in to their inner Death Cab for Cutie and Weezer and the result is a band that demands an audience for their brilliance.

We Are Imaginary (formerly Your Imaginary Friends until a defunct US outfit asked them to change their name) have made a name for their earnest songs with dreamy titles interpreted with soulful vocals by lead singer Ahmad Tanji and the gossamer voice of bassist and back-up vocalist Emerald Aquino who sprinkles these perfect pop gems with a touch of stardust.

They’ve upped the ante with “Silence Is A Villain,” as We Are Imaginary, now unshackled from the Lilystars sound that at times had them sounding like resident band, The Camerawalls. The guitars veer away from the indie pop-ish “One Dreamy Indeterminate Hum,” their first album, as Ahmad and brother and lead guitarist Khalid Tanji cut loose such as on “While Beating Red Lights” that would make fans of Fil-Am indie rock gods Versus happy.

The album opens with the track, “Your Silence is the Villain,” that is a more punchy “By Beautiful Intentions” (my favorite track from “One Dreamy Indeterminate Hum”). More than her voice, Emerald’s bass is finally allowed to rise above the mix. Khalid and Ahmad have fun with this rocker but stopped short of the high and low dynamics that defined the Pixies.

“Beyond Euphemisms” is something that will fit nicely with DCfC’s “Plans” but this is no Ben Gibbard rip-off. Ahmad turns this sensual song with a funky beat into one that soars when it picks up. And the vocal interplay between Ahmad and Emerald will make fans of Prefab Sprout swoon.

“While Beating Red Lights” – that Versus-like rocker – feels like you’re headed for some rock club on rain-swept streets with your pulse pounding in anticipation (with some manic drumming by the most excellent Eric Po). This one has my head bobbing to the infectious beat.

The second half of the six-track album finds the band bringing things down a notch or two but with the exception of the last track “Baby, You’re Going To Hell” that seems out of place.

“Visiting Hours Are Over (Come Over)” has a shoegazer feel to it but is remains classic We Are Imaginary with its yearning lyrics.

“In Washington Drive” would be a perfect way to close the album with its mournful lyrics. The harmonica is gutsy but lends a poignant touch to the song.

The band has clearly come up with a winner with “Silence is the Villain” that reflects their maturity without letting go of their rock star dreams. It rocks, it glitters, and it’s hopeful and plays endlessly in your mind. And that’s the hallmark of a good album.

Silence isn’t really the villain. It’s your apathy if you don’t care for some great music.

* We Are Imaginary’s “Silence is the Villain” can be bought for P200. Check out the band’s Facebook page for more details. The band is composed of Ahmad Tanji (guitars and lead vocals), Khalid Tanji (guitars), Vhall Bugtong (who replaced Emerald Aquino – who moved to the US – on bass and back up vox, and Eric Po (drums).