De Blimp – Imaginary People
De Blimp need no introduction here.
Imaginary People was released on October 31st, 2021. Despite being an album, the boys worked on for most of their discography, the result somehow felt like their most rushed. It was clearly an album composed by teenagers with ADHD. Ideas are abandoned for others seamlessly. The soundscapes are undeniably absorbing, though they’re marred by obnoxious songwriting similar to the boring late-era of Pink Floyd. When the songwriting is more imaginative, they abandon the idea before it has time to develop.
Thankfully, there are definitely some standout tracks worth scavenging for during Imaginary People. I Took My Time is fabulous. Harkening back to the days of prog rock, it seamlessly blends psychedelia and space-raggae. Okiooku is beautifully sung and boasts an exceptional, delirious soundscape with an offbeat, yet fitting percussion. The longest piece on the album, Overweight, shows what the album would have been capable of has it expanded upon its instrumental segments. In some ways, it feels like the only song the boys finished to completion without stopping to pick up another cone. Imagine Human is one of the most coherent songs on the album, yet even it fluffs around too much around its main concepts. Very awkward mixing choices results in a muffled mess during Underweight, though there are plenty of fantastic moments sprinkled in. Unfortunately, like many ideas on the album, they are diluted to a disappointing extent. It often sounds like the band strummed a few notes while recording, played it back and said “oh yeah, that’s great, put it there!” When focusing on soundscapes it works exceptionally well, but the majority of the album is still overflowing with baron plucking. There’s very little progression within the songwriting; just loose ideas tied together. The album was released with almost 20 bonus track which were compositionally barely more developed than the mess of songs that made the final cut.
I imagine each section in Imaginary People lasting more than 30 seconds as a fully fledged song, and it’s magnificent. Because the sections are short, though, it’s difficult to remember specific sections or order of tracks. Reminiscing on the album presents murky colours on my mind. What may be most obnoxious, however, is how pretentious the lyricism is. Almost every song’s line is sung the same - either 3 or 4 words pieced together in line with the main melody. De blimp has become very formulaic with their own vocal formula. It’s no wonder the best tracks are those that expand upon their vocal melodies. Dave is an exceptional singer, yet he seems restrained. Q on the other hand completely dominates his lines, yet sounds one note throughout. Together, their vocal performances are top tier, yet wasted on such simple, lackluster lines. It’s almost as if every song was only played until it was “good enough”. As a result, while the emotion is genuine, the execution drags the experience down. Thankfully, unlike previous releases from De Blimp, Imaginary People doesn’t feel rushed in the production compartment.
Despite all its flaws, it’s still a remarkable record. Both haunting and emotionally draining; Imaginary People was the band’s most personal, heartfelt record. Themes of despair and existentialism ripen the mood throughout. While it may not be competently glued together, it’s overflowing with an incredibly large, sophisticated palette of sounds.
Suffice to say, Imaginary People is a step in the right direction, but sadly it still sounds like a bunch of rambling stoners. What the De Blimp Boys really ought to do on their next release is sober up and get real with their songwriting. Had they nailed this aspect of their latest album, it would have simply been their best. Unfortunately, if I were to cultivate a Best of De Blimp Record of 21 songs, I’d struggle to place a single song from Imaginary People. The album only works as an overall experience. Be aware it’s often a frustrating listen; both for its haunting atmosphere and weak glue. The album feels rushed in the songwriting compartment and can sometimes be a drag, especially during the last three songs.
Nonetheless, it’s not just a step in the right direction; it’s a giant step. It may not always be enjoyable, but it’s undeniably the biggest and most respectable sonic shift of 2021. De Blimp merely need to refine their skills before tacking such an absurd and obtuse style. Imagine if Trout Mask Replica were played by a high school band. At least De blimp don’t sound like the Shaggs.
Great
Listen to it here:
De Blimp – Imaginary People
