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After years of being one of OPM's most recognizable bands, Imago stood once again at the edge of a new chapter: a fresh release, a new sound, and a new voice.

Their latest project titled Pasimple wasn't a full album, but an EP. It was a deliberate choice for the band because it wasn't about quantity anymore, it was about intention.

“We wanted to concentrate on every song. Instead of 10 tracks with just a couple of singles, lahat dito, parang single. We want to give each one the attention it deserves,” bassist Mylene “Maps” Academia said.

At the center of this evolution is their new vocalist, Kharren “Kurei” Granda —a former solo artist stepping into unfamiliar territory. For her, the transition wasn't easy.

She admitted. “Sa music pa lang or sa style ng pagkanta, malaki na yung difference. Before, very chill lang yung music ko. Walang pressure, walang expectations.”

Joining Imago, however, was a different story.

“Nandoon yung kaba,” she confessed. “Kasi, it's a different sound. Kailangan ko talagang aralin yung songs nila. Kasi kilala na ng tao. So, gusto ko lang mabigyan ng justice yung mga kanta nila, and to continue kung ano yung nasimulan nila.”

While Kurei felt the pressure, the band saw something else: potential.

“We saw a lot of headroom for her to grow,” Maps said. “Even if she didn't see it at first, pinush lang namin siya. Kasi, alam namin kung ano yung kaya niya.”

Interestingly, the band even offered to blend her past work into their sound—an opportunity many artists would jump at. But Kurei declined.

“Gusto ko mag-focus talaga sa Imago,” she said.

“If gagawa kami ng bagong songs, I'd rather na for the band na talaga. Hindi na para i-rework yung mga dati kong kanta.”

It was a quiet but defining decision that signaled her full commitment to becoming part of something bigger than herself.

The journey to finding her, however, wasn't as grand as one might expect. There were no viral announcements, no massive talent searches. Instead, it was all kept under the radar.

“Meron kaming secret auditions,” guitarist Tim Gacho related with a laugh. “Hindi namin ginawang big deal. Gusto lang namin makahanap ng makaka-vibe namin.”

Among those who tried out, Kurei stood out—not because she was the most confident, but perhaps because she wasn't.

“Kinakabahan pa nga siya. Ayaw pa nga niyang sumubok. But when she did, nag-click," Tim recalled.

For Kurei, the moment felt almost accidental.

“Sa utak ko noon, job lang,” she said.

“Hindi ko pa nga kabisado yung songs nila. Nagulat na lang ako, ako na pala yung napili! Parang, 'Sure ba sila?'”

The uncertainty, the humility, the honesty became part of the chemistry that now defines the band's new era.

For nearly three decades, Imago has redefined its sound with emotional introspection and expansive, guitar-driven arrangements.

In Pasimple, the band carries the legacy forward with confidence. Produced and arranged by the band, alongside longtime collaborators Raymund Marasigan and Buddy Zabala, the new EP expands Imago's signature sound while introducing subtle new influences that reflect the band's openness to explore off-kilter and interesting instrumentations, textures, and songwriting styles.

Likewise, Pasimple reflects a band operating at full momentum.

In a statement, Imago said, “We're at peak creativity with this album with songs inspired by our years as music lovers, plus fresh creative input from Kurei [vocalist and chief songwriter]. The EP is a representation of the interlocking energy and vibes of the members, and our life experiences from the past until the present.”

Released under Sony Music Entertainment, Imago's five-track EP focuses on the single titled “Lagi Na Lang,” which captures the exhausting and repetitive patterns of a relationship in slow decay. Buoyed by restrained guitars, steady drums, and emotionally grounded vocals, the song explores the feeling of letting go in a relationship that sadly no longer works.

Track list:
Gulong-gulo
Pasimple
Lagi na lang (Focus Track)
Andito na tayo
Sayang Na Sayang

Meanwhile, despite their long-standing success, Imago insists they don't chase hits. Not anymore.

“We don't really think about pressure. We just make something we like—something we want to perform live. If it becomes a hit, that's great," Maps said.

Tim added, “Of course, sino bang ayaw ng hit? But if people don't pick up on it, okay lang. At least, masaya kami sa ginawa namin.”

That's exactly why they've lasted this long—not by following trends, but by staying true to their instincts.

As the band releases new music with a new voice leading the charge, Imago isn't trying to reinvent their legacy. They're simply continuing it one song at a time—with honesty, risk, and a quiet kind of courage.