Exclusive Song Premiere: ‘Scarlett Duvall,’ Imaginary People

ABOVE: IMAGINARY PEOPLE

Imaginary People’s lead vocalist, Dylan Von Wagner, has the kind of voice you don’t hear much anymore: there’s a vibrato to it, and an occasional yelp, and a good-natured snarl, all of which might put the listener in mind of Elvis or Jerry Lee Lewis.  Even more so than on the band’s debut self-titled EP—which found Imaginary People setting Von Wagner’s persuasive, trembling vocals in a variety of contexts ranging from glammy synth progressions to Interpol-style dreadfests—the comparison is bolstered by the new 7-inch A-side, “Scarlett Duvall,” which we’re pleased to premiere here. On “Scarlett Duvall,” Justin Repasky’s propulsive keys, Mark Roth’s outsized guitar work, and Joe Zdaa’s percussion all likewise hearken back to the golden age of rock-‘n’-roll.

The postwar musical associations are well served by the song’s subject matter, which Von Wagner explains came about under clandestine circumstances. “After a chance meeting at a hotel with a shady Character and a complicated discussion on national security, Imaginary People delved into a few old demos written about espionage,” he explains. “Scarlett Duvall” was one such spy ditty, “a barn burner about a honeypot double agent who shames her country.” It’s a rollicking ride and the most fun we’ve had all week.

IMAGINARY PEOPLE’S SELF-TITLED DEBUT EP AND THE “SCARLETT DUVALL” 7-INCH ARE BOTH AVAILABLE NOW. THE BAND WILL PLAY SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST IN MARCH. FOR MORE, PLEASE VISIT ITS FACEBOOK PAGE.