This album has such a unique booklet, that I can't remember a time that i've ever seen one like it. On 4 pages there are odd, somewhat oriental daubs. No titles, names, or any information on the band can be found. Good thing that the 12 song titles were on the back side of the album package. Because of this lack of information, I performed an internet search on the band, and found out that Imogene hails from Los Angeles and consists of 4 musicians. I’m surprised with the instruments that the band uses.
The band consists of 2 basists: David Melbye (plays the 8 string bass) and CJ Cervaillos (plays the classical guitar bass), also Andy Campanella plays the percussion and Gabe Cohen on the keys. On their album, Imogene’s music is a cross between alternative rock, indie rock and a mix of psychedelic rock. These pieces present themselves as the prevailing sounds of Imogene’s music, though you can hear bits of pop, modern rock, funk, reggae, as well as fusion. To me, Imogene sounds like a mix of David Sylvan, Radiohead, Hawkwind and even Roxy Music. It truly is difficult to pinpoint their style of music. The music is very intriguing. There are moments where I feel that the music of Imogene pulls you in, though I’d be hard pressed to say that any of the 12 songs sticks out in my mind. The lack of a guitar is compensated by the intense pounding tone of the bass. The sound of the 2 bassists isn’t one. In addition, one of the bassists, David Melbye, is bestowed with a very peculiar voice. His vocals sound like a cross between John Lennon and Bryan Ferry. It looks like David Melbye is also the leader of the band. From my research, he is involved in other projects as well. In 2 of these other projects, Fuzz Beloved and Ludivine, he recorded LPs of raw, experimental music. Most distinctly he belongs to the group of artists that are searching for their own sound. More so, his band Imogene looks to find their own place in the golden center of the progressive rock community
If someone likes experimental, non traditional tones, as well as difficult to pigeonhole compositions., then you should gladly reach for the music of Imogene. With a little bit of patience and paying close attention to the details, you’ll find a lot of innovative solutions and modern tones in the production that will leave you with a great deal of satisfaction.
