Album Review

The Imagineers – See As I Say EP

• 25th Mar 2011

Glasgow four piece indie band The Imagineers are one of the best live acts on the Scottish circuit right now.

Their dynamic, high energy shows have seen them build a solid local fan base and this new four track EP, recorded with producer Brian McNeil in Glasgow’s renowned CaVa studios, will bring their music to the attention of many more people.

The opening Imagineer immediately sets a fast pace, the vocals strong over an insistent drum beat. There is an uplifting feel to the song, as the acoustic and electric guitars combine to good effect.

Mariana adds a subtle Latin vibe which contrasts with the Scottish vocal delivery. This is basically a love song, a tale of desire for an unobtainable girl. Her name is repeated softly in the background as the main vocal tells the story, while the guitars build to a climax. Very simply, Mariana is a beautiful song.

Hour of Need slows things down, but only slightly. The instrumentation is subtle for much of the track, with repeated simple riffs backing the vocals. But towards the middle is a bass heavy section that adds a different, darker, feel. And then the tempo picks up as the song moves towards its conclusion.

Spanish Sands has long been a live favourite for Imagineers fans. It is a gentle and understated track with an infectious rhythm and a big chorus. The lead guitar flits in and out of the mix before building to a closing solo that ends the EP in some style.

This is a fine collection of music that will both please the group’s many fans and act as an introduction to the band to those who haven’t been fortunate enough to see their live shows yet. The songwriting is mature and thought provoking and the musicianship is of a high quality throughout.

The EP will be released on 1 April at a special live home gig in Glasgow’s Nice n Sleazy. The show marks the start of a 16 date, UK wide Spring Tour, with summer festival dates expected after the tour comes to a close