Magdalena Bay’s sophomore album, “Imaginal Disk,” is an ambitious and meticulously crafted follow-up to their debut, “Mercurial World.” That was one of my favorite pop albums of 2021!

“Imaginal Disk” was released in late August 2024 through Mom + Pop Music. The Los Angeles-based duo of Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin dive headfirst into a kaleidoscope of Y2K nostalgia. They embrace synth-pop experimentation and emotionally charged storytelling.

It’s an album that is more than just a collection of tracks. It creates a cohesive journey of self-discovery and reflection while keeping the beats and hooks infectious.

And by infectious, I mean really, really infectious.

The album’s concept revolves around the theme of transformation. It is inspired by the term “imaginal discs”—the structures in insect larvae. These structures transform into fully grown adult features during metamorphosis. This biological analogy is fitting. “Imaginal Disk” is a sonic journey through growth and self-realization. It depicts a futuristic tale about a character named “True,” who experiences a profound “consciousness” upgrade. Magdalena Bay explores the human experience of evolution, both emotional and spiritual. They use this evolution as a basis for their lyrical and sonic exploration, paralleling the biological theme.

Still with me?

Imaginal Disk

“Imaginal Disk” opens with She Looked Like Me!, an ethereal yet glitchy track that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The narrative introduced here is captivating. It presents an alternate reality in which the protagonist meets another version of herself and feels somewhat overwhelmed. 

“I didn’t know her when she walked in. But I recognized her eyes. Her hair lifted as she stood still. Right there in the light. And she felt like a dream.

I didn’t know what to think. She looked like me…”

The lush soundscape features distorted synths and blaring horns, strongly introducing the album’s sonic identity. It is dense, yet it perfectly introduces the concept of transformation. It invites you to explore True’s evolving reality.

Killing Time provides a groovier, bass-driven sound that makes you feel like you’re floating. True wonders why we call this term “killing time.” (“If time is meant for living, why’s it killing me?”). It is a rich and lovely song.

“Divine digits, the nightmare lifts. It’s here, imaginal disk. Say hello, it’s you.” (from True Blue Interlude)

Death & Romance is one of the album’s highlights. It epitomizes what Magdalena Bay does best: blending intricate, dynamic production with raw emotional content. The track begins with whispered vocals and builds to an intense crescendo (“My hands, your hands, I’ll hold forever, No way, I’ll break hold, No, not ever!”), enveloped by swirling synths complementing the lyrical exploration of love’s darker, more obsessive aspects. 

Tenenbaum’s vocals shine particularly brightly here. The song showcases the duo’s ability to marry poignancy with exuberance.

The album’s themes of self-discovery, technology, and transformation are handled with a sense of wonder. This creativity makes them relatable and engaging. Tracks like Fear, Sex, and Vampire in the Corner delve into the darker, more introspective aspects of True’s journey. They explore the tension between vulnerability and empowerment.

The former ends with: “Please don’t die alone, overhead. I’ll surrender to the voices in the end. Shoulda known those dirty bastards would put wires in your head. Are you there? All alone, lost in forever.”

These songs have airy synths and haunting melodies. They echo the album’s overarching theme of transformation, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

The album’s turning point is watching T.V., which marks a significant moment of introspection and realization for the protagonist. The song’s lyrics hint at a moment of clarity. Lines like “I turn my headlights on, and suddenly I can see” send a message of hope. They give resolution to the chaos. Musically, this transition features a majestic and triumphant sound. The soaring strings and optimistic synths suggest personal growth’s inherent beauty. It showcases fascinating production, with dynamic instrumentation and layered synths that create an immersive soundscape. 

Throughout the album, Magdalena Bay showcases its versatility by bridging various styles. Tunnel Vision brings hyperpop influences, infusing bright and bubbly synths with an upbeat tempo. Cry For Me takes a disco-infused approach that echoes elements of Kylie Minogue and ABBA (Mica sounds like Kylie!). 

The final third of this album is quite remarkable. Unlike many other releases, it feels stronger than the other parts. Many songs contribute to an overarching storyline. The album feels like an evolving narrative that transitions from confusion and yearning to eventual clarity.

That’s My Floor embraces experimental tones and unexpected chord progressions, creating a captivating listening experience.

The album moves through a broad spectrum of emotions, ranging from love and fear to desperation and complacency. Each track adds another layer to the narrative tapestry. The characters portrayed in the album grapple with themes of intimacy, identity, and existential crisis. Magdalena Bay captures the complexities of modern life in an increasingly digital world.

Angel on a Satellite is another standout track that captures the emotional essence of the album. The song is a profoundly emotive ballad, marked by its ethereal soundscapes and introspective lyrics. The production is lush, with shimmering synths. Atmospheric layers create an otherworldly feel, perfectly complementing the song’s themes of distance and connection. The track builds gradually, so gradually, adding layers of instrumentation that culminate in a beautifully haunting climax. It evokes deep emotion while maintaining the futuristic and dreamy aesthetic that defines “Imaginal Disk.”

The album finishes with The Ballad of Matt & Mica. It starts off like a song heading in a new direction. Then it shifts to the same melody as the opener, She Looked Like Me! – it’s just a poignant finale that celebrates the journey of self-transformation and leaves listeners with a sense of closure. It feels like a farewell to the characters introduced throughout “Imaginal Disk.” It also marks a farewell to a chapter of Magdalena Bay’s artistic growth. It is perfect on repeat, as it ties back to the beginning so well, just as “Mercurial World” did (the first track was called The End, and the last, The Beginning, after all!). “Is it my luck? Is it my fate? Not ordinary.”

Conclusion

Ultimately, “Imaginal Disk” is an album that reaches for the stars and, incredibly, gets there. Its production is consistently strong, filled with captivating synth lines, experimental flourishes, and meticulously arranged soundscapes. The vocal performances are equally compelling. Tenenbaum’s voice is a strong guiding force through the album’s many twists and turns. The sci-fi narrative and conceptual depth add an intriguing layer to the music, resulting in a beautiful and thought-provoking album. The album balances high-energy tracks and reflective moments for a well-rounded listening experience.

“Imaginal Disk” is a compelling chapter in Magdalena Bay’s artistic journey. It challenges pop music conventions, blending nostalgia with futuristic themes in an undeniably intriguing way. The album offers many moments of pure, unadulterated beauty, introspection, and pop joy.

This work showcases the duo’s creativity. They wish to push the boundaries of what “progressive rock” and psychedelic pop music can be. Superb stuff.

10/10

Chris Garrod, October 24, 2024