Hello reader,
Welcome (back) to SWT.
Today, we’re going to delve into the NYC based band Imaginary People. Dylan Von Wagner is the frontman and he is joined by guitarist Mark Roth, keyboardist Justin Repasky, drummer Kolby Wade, bassist/synth player Bryan Percivall and Grant Zubritsky providing more synth. The band made their debut with their self-titled EP release in 2013, followed by their debut full-length album Dead Letterbox (2015), and October Alice in 2017.
And now when the world is an even more frustrating and more difficult place for many, the band is ready to release new music to the world. I heard a single from the album a couple of months ago and at the same time saw the band’s statements on the origins of their creative process and felt like this album was worth talking about and thus sharing with you in review form on SWT.
From the new album’s press release frontman Von Wagner said, “Imaginary People are just in our own little world. I don’t think we really participate. I mean we live in New York and it was made here, but we just keep to ourselves. I don’t know where this stuff comes from or why I feel this way and write this shit. I feel like it’s a weird addiction that I can’t shake, and I don’t think any psychoanalysis is going to shed light on it.”
Luckily he writes it and the band performs it for us to hear. Their newest effort, Alibi is out on Friday, September 12th for your listening pleasure. Via the album’s press release Von Wagner said, “I just think we’re in an ultimate fight right now. Our culture is just falling apart and the ins and outs of our cultural differences are splitting – it feels like what one person says is right and what the other person says is wrong and that’s it. The whole time we were doing the record, it just felt like normalcy was falling apart. The things you’d think would normally be right and wrong – the normal yesses and nos – aren’t happening anymore, and that was very disturbing to me.”
Giving credit where it’s due. The Alibi album credits:
- Dylan Von Wagner (vocals)
- Mark Roth (guitar)
- Justin Repasky (keys)
- Kolby Wade (drums)
- Bryan Percivall (bass/synth)
- Grant Zubritsky (synth)
- Recorded with producer Phil Weinrobe (Nick Murphy, Pussy Riot, Stolen Jars) at Rivington 66 in New York City and Spillway Sound in the Catskills
- mixed by Eli Crews at Brooklyn’s Figure 8
And now for some hype for both your ears and eyes via the band’s YouTube channel:
The inflatable dinosaur and more within the video for the song, “Soft Token”:
(All credits and rights to Imaginary People)
A touch of romanticism? Perhaps. A meet cute? Check out the video for the song, “Bronx Girl”:
(All credits and rights to Imaginary People)
The fantastic song, “Five Days”:
(All credits and rights to Imaginary People)
Overall, I would argue that Alibi is Imaginary People’s best work yet. Long time fans what do you think? Where would you place it?
There’s a lot to like in this one. To start there’s a lot of mood and also a health dose of disillusioned melodies and lyrics. The themes are often darker but are accessible. A lot of that comes at your ears at a fairly frenetic pace. Which if you’re solely a fan of the altered reality bubble gum pop, this album will not be for your narrow-minded taste. If you’re open-minded and go on an adventure as a listener and meet the artist where they are/were at the time, firstly, you’re our kind of person. Welcome to SWT, stay awhile and come back. Having listened a few times, I can confirm that this album is a great time to listen repeatedly, while you soak everything in and peel back the layers, in mindsets of reflection and questioning. Ultimately getting some enjoyment out of this layered release. This is an album where you could explore the lyrics for a long period of time as you listen, in between listens. Even after listens. And kudos to the songwriters for that.
I really enjoyed all the propulsion in this album from the drums, to the keys, to the synth work, to Von Wagner’s vocal deliveries that were almost haunting at times. The guitar work is also excellent throughout, varying from grounding the melodies around it, to a blistering pace that matches the melodies. And all of that individually and combined is a wonderful listening experience on the ears.
The backstory to “Bronx Girl” is a tale worth reading and one that Von Wagner shared in the past. Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska is a phenomenal album, one beloved by many including myself as I place it as my favorite of his discography. On Alibi, Imaginary People covers Springsteen’s “State Trooper,” turning the song on its head. Completely making it their own, the only resemblance being the lyrics. Check it out yourself and tell me what you think. Some Springsteen diehards may not appreciate Imaginary People’s but lovers of all music will respect the art, at the very least of being its own thing. That cover is midway through the album and there’s several good songs after it to enjoy. Listen for yourself and find songs that you especially enjoy. Kudos to all involved in this project for sharing their music with the rest of us.
Alibi gets 4 out of 5 Scum Drops from me. It is a very good album, one that fits well within the 72nd-83rd percentile of all new albums released this year thus justifying the 4 Scum Drop rating for me. Its creativity in terms of crafting melody, instrumentation choices and execution combined with the lyrics and vocals place it well above an average release. The craftsmanship from the band’s compositions extending to the engineering and mastering is top notch throughout the album. I recommend adding the album to your collection on the format of your choosing.
I’ll always advocate that you take the time to listen to every album in its entirety. The listening process with Alibi will take just over 40 minutes from start to finish. Along the way, you’ll discover your own favorite songs without the influence or bias of others. After a few listens on my own, I found the songs highlighted below to be my favorite songs on this album.
The Alibi Track listing (song length)
- It’s Simple (3:51)
- Renegade (3:51)
- Hometown (5:08)
- Soft Token (4:16)
- Bronx Girl (2:45)
- State Trooper (3:37)
- Crazy Eight (3:15)
- Neon Age (3:01)
- Five Days (3:12)
- David’s Eyes (3:43)
- Sun Change (4:47)
Total runtime: 41:26
Like what you heard and want to learn more? Check out the band’s site, their socials: Instagram, Facebook, and check out their music on Bandcamp, YouTube, Apple Music, Soundcloud and Spotify.
Thank you for reading and supporting good music.
Until next time,
Alex
Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site, scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions and SWT Interviews. And all of our socials.
Questions, feedback, or more? Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com
