To kick off their collaboration, Imago released their much-anticipated new single, “Gulong-Gulo,” on Friday, January 31, 2025.
IMAGO | Sony Music Entertainment
The dreamy track was a sonic exploration of love’s complexities, blending lush textures with crystalline guitar tones and subtle drumming. Lyrically, “Gulong-Gulo” explored the emotional tug-of-war in choosing to fight for a relationship rather than letting it fade instantly. The band admitted, “It’s more of a reflection of how a relationship can be. There will always be highs and lows, and it’s about knowing that your relationship is bigger than the occasional fights, so you fix it.”
Produced by Raymund Marasigan and Buddy Zabala, the track also featured an arrangement by Zabala, with contributions from Badjao de Castro of IV of Spades, who added a fresh and distinct approach to drumming. The understated groove and remarkable sophistication in the rhythm section perfectly complemented the band’s musical evolution, offering a richer listening experience for the streaming audience.
Imago is composed of Kharren “Kurei” Granada (vocals), Myrene “Maps” Academia (bass), Tim Cacho (guitar), and Mervin Panganiban (drums). For more than two decades, the pop-rock quartet has solidified their presence as one of the most influential bands over the last two decades—thanks to their uncompromised versatility and top-notch musicality. Their debut album, Probably Not But Most Definitely, was regarded by critics as a game-changing release for merging alternative rock with ethnic, world, and Celtic music influences.
The follow-up albums, Take 2 and Blush, yielded more hits for the band, including chart-topping songs “Akap,” “Anino,” “Taralets,” and “Sundo.” With lineup changes and an ever-evolving sound, the band has managed to maintain their legacy with music releases that showcase emotional vulnerability and depth. Imago is currently working on their forthcoming EP, which will be released soon.
Imago’s “Gulong-Gulo” is available for streaming on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
