Review 'The Imaginaries' Debut Album

The Imaginaries

By Chris Wheatley

Rarely does a debut album feature such a strong line-up of musicians. Then again, this isn’t your average debut. Self-titled, The Imaginaries is set to release March 26, 2021 via ONErpm. Husband and wife team, Maggie McClure (keys and vocals) and Shane Henry (guitar and vocals) have already been on quite a journey. This particular one began at Muscle Shoals, Alabama, where the duo travelled to feature on the popular OneMic Series. That session was so successful that they decided to lay down tracks for a whole album, enlisting some heavyweight local talent as backing. Both McClure and Henry suffered bouts of serious illness during the run-up to recording, however, and then, of course, the Coronavirus pandemic hit. Nevertheless, their music is finally seeing the light of day.

Alongside McClure and Henry, we have the legendary Muscle Shoals ‘Swampers’ including David Hood on bass (Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon); Kelvin Holly on guitar (Little Richard, Neil Young); bassist Shonna Tucker (John Paul White) and NC Thurman on keys (Gregg Allman, Hank Williams Jr). Additional support comes from regular Imaginaries’ drummer Rob Humphreys (Leonard Cohen); keyboardist Dan Walker (Heart) and Chad Copelin (Sufjan Stevens) who provided keys and additional production. It’s a cracking line-up for any session.

“Revival” makes for a striking opening. Slow, rattling swampy blues, packed with visceral slide guitar and jangling percussion ease the listener in before the track accelerates into a smoking, swaggering rocker. This is dramatic, hard-hitting stuff. Hand-clap breaks, an expansive chorus and top notch playing provide plenty to hook the ear. The Imaginaries’ dual-vocals are striking and smooth, with a suitable rough-edge and bountiful kick. Throw in a smouldering guitar solo and you have all the ingredients for a winner.

“Walking On A Wire” crackles along with double-time acoustic guitar and lovely piano adornments. It’s a slow-burner, filled with pathos. Chorus’ rise and fall with the power of a mighty wave. The duo certainly know how to craft a song and this one is about facing obstacles head on and pushing through to overcome. They veer from whimsical musings to heartfelt rock in a heartbeat. Some unexpected flourishes from keys and guitar add compelling colour and nuance. “There Will Come A Day” fires and flames like an old-school spiritual, albeit one with a super-slick modern production. This track in particular soars to the heavens with heavyweight drums and yearning vocals.

The emotion and cathartic release found on this fine album can surely be traced to the backgrounds of McClure and Henry. Oklahoma natives, both were early starters on their respective and successful musical journeys. Before becoming a band, McClure opened for Sara Bareilles, had over 45 original song placements on national TV shows. Henry toured with B.B. King, Etta James, Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa, Johnny Winter, the Neville Brothers and has had many song placements on NBC, CBS, Discovery Channel and more.

It should be no surprise then, that the duo’s debut album is both masterfully produced and masterfully crafted. The Imaginaries give us ten tracks of ambitious, sweeping blues/rock which never forgets its roots. The polish and poise on display here is well matched by a gritty, human quality. The Imaginaries want to reach out and embrace you, inviting you in to share their glittering musical vision. It’s well worth the ride.

Watch “Revival”