Imogene

Sounding derivative or revivalist is encouraged these days, but Imogene strives instead for imagination and originality. The quartet is unique: a distorted 8-string bass player along with a regular 4-string bass player, an electric piano player and a drummer. But this novel approach to the 4-piece rock ensemble is only as valid as the sound itself. Their music is based in a groove-oriented rhythm section that supports a darker sort of melodic realm with complex harmonic layering. The results are heavy, deep, and moody, moving through and beyond categories like stoner, garage, and psychedelic rock. But the band also delves into mellower experiments. For those who prefer some namedropping, marriage characterizations like "Doorphine," "Pink Sabbath," or "Radio Queens of the Stone Head" should suffice.

Within the last two years, LA-based Imogene has self-produced its debut album release as well as two videos, has embarked on a successful self-organized summer tour of the UK, and is currently planning a summer tour of the U.S. (and managed to get a promo poster up in two spots on the set of The OC).