Sibling-led collective Ben, James and Abigail Imber, otherwise known as IMBER, are back with a new track. “Pacify” is a hauntingly relatable song from their upcoming debut album, Otherside. The trio were raised on the rugged North Devon and Cornwall coasts, before moving to Bristol – the creative hub – and have written a song that delves right into the internal tug-of-war that we all know too well: the annoying moment when you know exactly what the right move is but decide to do the exact opposite.
The repeated line, “You only do this to yourself,” carries the emotional brunt of the track. The first arrival is a crashing wave of self-criticism, a lonely voice railing at itself in the dark. But as the song progresses and the siblings weave in their signature harmonies, the phrase takes on a lovely new weight. What begins as an accusation turns into a sort of gentle protective advice. The words are the same, but by the end of the song, the meaning is completely different.
The music of ‘Pacify’ fits this psychical restlessness perfectly. The production pulls the listener back and forth, from stark, stripped-back vocal moments to chaotic, psychedelic surges that tap into the feeling of an overworked mind. It’s an organic sound that translates easily to their live shows, where they often play up these sharp dynamic contrasts. With long-running support from BBC Introducing and a growing footprint across the UK festival circuit, IMBER are proving that their forthcoming ten-track record is going to be worth the wait.
