After years of evolving their sound and identity, Filipino indie rock band We Are Imaginary returns with a release that feels deeply personal and quietly confident. The band has officially dropped their self-titled third album, now available on all major streaming and digital music platforms worldwide via indie label floppydisks.
Rather than chasing trends or dramatic reinvention, the album feels like a moment of reflection. It captures a band fully aware of who they are after nearly two decades of making music together and unafraid to sit with uncertainty, vulnerability, and emotional nuance.
A Record Rooted in Identity and Emotional Honesty
At its core, We Are Imaginary explores themes of identity, emotional reckoning, and acceptance. The album unfolds like an internal conversation, slowly moving from doubt and tension toward moments of clarity and calm. According to frontman Ahmad Tanji, the record does not aim to neatly resolve every feeling it raises.
Instead, the nine-track release leans into the idea that not all experiences need closure. Some emotions simply exist, and this album gives them space to breathe. That approach makes the record feel relatable and human, especially for listeners navigating their own personal transitions.
Dreamy Guitars Meet Shoegaze and Noise-Pop
Sonically, the album sits comfortably in dreamy guitar-rock territory, drawing from shoegaze and noise-pop influences. Warm, fuzzy textures drift in and out, often pulling the listener into a sense of calm before erupting into heavier moments of angst and tension.
There is a careful balance at play. Soft, hushed passages are followed by surging intensity, while vulnerability exists alongside restraint. Nothing feels rushed or overworked. Each song unfolds patiently, allowing the emotions to land naturally.
This measured pacing reflects a band that no longer feels the need to prove itself. The result is a cohesive and confident record that values atmosphere and storytelling over instant impact.
A Collaborative Process Built on Trust
The album was produced by Joey Santos of Love One Another and Ahmad Tanji, and recorded by Angee Rozul and Santos at Love One Another Studio. Santos also handled the mixing, while mastering duties were done by Adam Haggar at Mount Olympia Mastering.
Tanji describes the process as one rooted in trust, something that only comes from years of collaboration.
“This collection also feels more cohesive,” he shares. “There’s a sense of comfort and confidence when we started laying down our parts. I guess that comes with growing with the band for 17 years and trusting the people you work with.”
That sense of ease is audible throughout the album. Nothing feels forced, and each track sounds like it belongs exactly where it is.
Leaning Into a More Nostalgic Sound
One of the defining elements of the album is its sonic direction. Tanji credits Angee Rozul for understanding the band’s taste and allowing them to explore a more nostalgic sound.
“Angee Rozul worked with our taste and style perfectly as our recording engineer, letting us lean towards a more ‘90s sound this time around,” Tanji explains. “While Joey gave each song a massive and dynamic mix.”
The team exchanged multiple drafts per song, slowly stripping each track down to its most essential elements. The goal was not complexity, but clarity. Each arrangement was refined to best serve the story being told.
An Album Meant to Be Heard in One Sitting
We Are Imaginary is designed as a complete listening experience. Its sequencing, subtle transitions, and quiet moments create a gradual emotional arc that rewards attentive listening.
This is the kind of album best experienced in one sitting, whether on vinyl, through quality speakers, or with a good pair of headphones. The quiet details matter, and the emotional payoff builds slowly as each track leads into the next.
For listeners who appreciate albums as a full body of work rather than a collection of singles, this release offers a deeply satisfying experience.
A Confident Snapshot of Who They Are Today
With this self-titled album, We Are Imaginary presents a clear and honest portrait of who they are at this stage in their journey. The band sounds assured, reflective, and fully at ease with the space they occupy in the local indie scene.
There is no rush, no grand statement, and no unnecessary noise. Just a band leaning into its strengths and trusting the years that shaped it.
Fans can also look forward to a vinyl release via Eikon Records, expected sometime in the first quarter of the year. Pre-orders are already available for those who want to experience the album in its most immersive form.
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