IMMIJ Shows Its Got What it Takes and More

By Kenneth Quan

Slowly but surely, the sparsely populated performance stage area became crowded as people were hypnotically drawn to the melodious voices emanating from the far end of the exhibition hall. As they arrived to see who the voices belonged to, they were caught with the sight of four attractive young things onstage, all dressed in sleek PVC black from head to toe, singing and dancing their hearts out.

IMMIJ, a Bay Area based R&B/ Hip-Hop female quadruple performed on the weekend of June 28 and 29 at the Filipino-American Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The four females were wrapping up a Southern California swing tour to promote the release of their independently released debut "Destined."

The band, Doris, Lyn, Kris, and Mei immediately woke the lethargic crowd up with their high paced energy and seductive sultry stage presence. But it didn't take long to realize that this was a band to keep an eye on and not simply to satisfy one's libido as it became apparent that the girls had true talent and musicianship. Though the set consisted of only three songs, it was a sufficient sample of their obvious talents, musical range and influences.

As a band professing their admiration and influences for groups such as Boyz II Men, Destiny's Child, and Pinay, they gave a performance encapsulating their musical themes and group philosophy. They began their set with a vigorous upbeat R&B rendition of their own "Lady's Anthem." Singing in tandem, the girls sang with a power and clarity that pierced the air while performing complex, choreographed dances. The tightness of their vocal delivery and dance performance showed a band familiar with each other as well as knowing how to harness each individual's strengths to create a powerful show. They followed immediately with their first single "I'm Still Your Girl." It was soon obvious to any casual observer that the girls had the audiences' ears and attention. Eventually they ended with a prideful, traditional Filipino song as an unfurled Filipino flag waved over them.

It could be said that while watching IMMIJ's short set, many in the crowd had no idea who they were but it is a surety that many left that night as newly anointed fans - this correspondent certainly did. The performance ended with an enthusiastic applause with some well timed shrieks from young girls in attendance who perhaps will one day reminisce with "Yeah, I remember when I first saw IMMIJ, when no one knew who they were." This impressive young band whose talents seem unlimited looks to have a bright future ahead of them.

IMMIJ can be next seen on July 26 at Six Flags Marine World at Vallejo in Northern California in continual support of their album. More information of the band as well as track samples from their album "Destined" can be heard at their website www.immijladies.com. Copies of the album can also be ordered at the website.

July 18, 2003