After celebrating their fifteenth anniversary with the release of their fourth studio album, Swan Songs for Drifters last year, We Are Imaginary continues to evolve as a dynamic indie rock duo. Comprised of founding members and brothers Ahmad Tanji (vocals and guitars) and Khalid Tanji (guitars), the band remains steadfast in its commitment to crafting compelling, emotive music.
Reinvigorated by a streamlined two-member lineup and bolstered by a fresh group of collaborators, We Are Imaginary returns with “Pinkish Hue,” the first single marking a new chapter in their musical journey.
This hypnotic guitar-pop track blends shoegaze and ’90s alt-rock influences, imbuing their sound with dramatic flair. “Pinkish Hue” explores the slow erosion of a love once vibrant and full of promise, now fading—along with the memories it once held.
“I wrote the entire track,” Ahmad explains. “It’s actually one of the leftovers from my previous project. When Khalid showed me an unfinished sketch with the same chord progression, it inspired me to present the song to the band. They immediately loved it.”
As a gifted singer-songwriter with an affinity for poetic melancholia, Ahmad paints the slow deterioration of romance with a bittersweet tone of a sunset: beautiful, yet fully aware that its end is inevitable. “You’re so far away,” he sings with resigned contemplation, while the thick, shimmering textures envelop the track, underscoring the sense of finality and longing.
The song’s vibrant, layered sound owes much to a team of all-star collaborators who brought the track to life. Producer and mixer Joey Santos and recording engineer Angee Rozul steered the song’s sonic direction, while drummer Jerros Dolino contributed dynamics, enriching the song’s moody, theatrical atmosphere.
“Trust was there, fueled by lots of caffeine and mutual respect,” Ahmad shares, when asked about being able to pull in some of the most notable names behind the scenes to work on their highly anticipated comeback. “They all were very much involved and open to whatever crazy ideas we have. It was just a smooth collaboration from the beginning.”
According to Ahmad, “Pinkish Hue” is part of a larger sonic vision the band is currently developing, and it will feature on their upcoming fifth album, slated for release in both digital and vinyl formats next year.
We Are Imaginary’s “Pinkish Hue” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via new indie label floppydisks.
