FIVE-PIECE band Imago has just released a new music video entitled Trio, and the contrast between the music and the execution of the short film should be noticeable to anyone trying to make sense of the band’s latest release.
In the video, the upbeat music and the words being scrawled onscreen suggest a cheery and sloppy art project. The lyrics tell a different story, though. A creeping sadness envelop words that go:“Pinipilit lang ba natin ‘to?” and “Kukunin mo ba ang hindi sa ‘yo?” The unseen singer even projects a melancholic vibe throughout the scenes.
In an exchange of private messages, Imago guitarist Zach Lucero, who was in Madrid, Spain, responded to our query and wrote: “I did the concept for the video. Actually, the contrast—at least for me—is in the lyrics and the music.”
“Shooting in Japan, coupled with the mood of the music, may make one perceive the video as happy. But [looking] closely, the girl in the video (France Lucero) expresses loneliness in an otherwise fun-filled vacation setting.”
Lucero also directed the video—a first-time engagement for him. He felt his directorial debut was exciting.
“This came off after being very busy with Makina, an online Moto Media outfit where I shoot, direct and edit videos. My bandmates [urged me to do it instead to keep the cost down!]”
The release of Trio and its accompanying video happened like scratching a periodic itch. Lucero related, “We just felt it was time to release Trio. It’s been a year since our last release. And yes, Trio is part of a collection of newer songs.”
The band gigs regularly. Lucero stated that the band likes to tweak its live performance a bit.
“Recently, we’ve been doing songs outside the confines of an album. No concept at all. We just play the [songs we want] do at a certain time,” he explained.
The other band members—bassist Myrene Academia, guitarist Tim Cacho, drummer Mervin Panganiban and vocalist Mayumi Gomez—pursue other interests outside of Imago.
Academia plays bass for Sandwich. Panganiban is a fitness instructor and runs his own gym. Lucero keeps busy with Makina that sent him to Madrid for a project assignment.
What’s next for the band then? Expect a new video and a new song.