There are only a few bands who have perfected their sound so well, through tracks that evoke a sense of wonderment from the first few chords. Byron Bay’s Babe Rainbow has done both of these things, in their 60s inspired psychedelic single ‘Your Imagination‘.
Teaming up with Jaden Smith, Babe Rainbow have offered up a soothing, hazy trip of a song to soundtrack your late summer nights on the beach. The surprising collaboration between Smith and the Australian rock band seems spontaneous, but has apparently been a long time coming. The 22-year-old actor turned musician first heard the hippie quartet in 2019, from a track on their album Today, titled ‘Us and the Rainbow’. Instantly connecting with the track and the band’s day-dream sound, Smith slid into their DMs and the collaboration was created.
Babe Rainbow’s sound reminds you of a hazy summer’s day, with psych-pop instrumentals and laid-back vocals. If you’re an OG fan of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and if the film’s iconic track ‘Pure Imagination‘ holds a special place in your heart, then Babe Rainbow’s new song is for you. This single is reminiscent of Gene Wilder’s performance, with the added dreamlike, childish wonder that the movie captures so well. Jaden Smith’s addition of an eloquent spoken and melodic verse blends perfectly with Babe Rainbow’s vocalist Angus Dowling, and his 60s inspired lulling tones.
‘Your Imagination’ is accompanied by a vintage-style video, showcasing the band at the beach, playing music and surfing. Smith takes to the visual forefront on his verse, picking up a guitar. The hippie vibe of the music video is not only aesthetically pleasing but fits well with Babe Rainbow’s 60s psychedelic image, featuring Jaden Smith in some funky flower glasses. Partially directed by Smith himself, the video makes you long for trips to the coastline, even though British beaches don’t quite compare to the Byron Bay seashore.
