Magdalena Bay - Imaginal Disk Review
Imaginal Disk is a remarkable evolution from Magdalena Bay’s debut. It’s expansive and meticulous, blissful yet harrowing, and supremely confident in its storytelling and production.
Magdalena Bay’s sophomore album, Imaginal Disk, is an ambitious, meticulously crafted concept album that delves into the very essence of evolution, both biological and emotional. Magdalena Bay takes inspiration from the biological term imaginal discs, the structures in insect larvae that undergo transformation during metamorphosis and ingeniously parallels it with the human experience of growth and self-actualisation. The album artwork, depicting a CD disk being inserted into someone’s brain, serves as a powerful metaphor for the choices we make, the “disks” we insert into our lives, shaping who we become.
From the outset, Imaginal Disk propels the listener on a journey of metamorphosis, guided by themes of love, loss, death, and the often painful process of self-discovery. The album is packed with intricate arrangements, commanding vocals, and purposeful lyrics, all contributing to the sense of an evolving narrative. The emotions explored are vast, ranging from love and fear to desperation and complacency, making the album a comprehensive exploration of the human psyche.
The album opens with "She Looked Like Me!", a glitchy, warm track that sets the tone for the entire record. It serves as a mission statement, with distorted drum synths, blaring horns, and shining synths creating a lush cacophony of sound for Mica Tenenbaum’s glossy vocals. Her voice, with its sweet yet commanding quality, evokes comparisons to Alaina Moore of Tennis and even the pop icon Kylie Minogue.
"Killing Time" shifts the atmosphere, replacing the opening track's harsher moments with groovy bass lines and a sugary pop sound. The production here, as with many tracks on the album, is rich and layered. The keys are crisp, the arrangements flicker between airy acoustic guitars and gliding distorted guitars. The lyrics, touching on self-worth through the lens of love, reveal the narrator’s introspective journey, searching for meaning and identity in a world that often feels chaotic.
The album’s lead single, "Death & Romance" is a powerhouse of emotion and production. Propulsive keys and whispered vocals give way to a crescendo of swirling synths and commanding vocal performances. Tenenbaum’s delivery is nothing short of mesmerising, with lyrics like “My hands, your hands, I’ll hold forever, No way, I'll break hold, No, not ever” encapsulating the desperation and longing that pervade much of the album.
As the album progresses, there’s a palpable sense of narrative cohesion. Tracks like “Fear, Sex” and “Vampire in the Corner” continue the exploration of heartbreak and self-discovery, each contributing to the album’s overarching themes of loss and longing. The former dives into the loneliness and yearning for lost love, while the latter, with its light, airy synths and earworm-worthy melody, amplifies the desperation of the preceding tracks.
The turning point of the album arrives with “watching T.V.” where the narrative shifts towards recovery. The lyrics, “I turn my headlights on and suddenly I can see” mark a moment of clarity and resolution. The music mirrors this transition, becoming progressively more majestic and optimistic, yet tinged with an undercurrent of bleakness that reflects the complexity that comes with moving forward. The abrasive percussion and droning synths toward the track’s end highlight the chaos and difficulty of choosing a new path.
“Love is Everywhere” offers a brief respite, a moment of joy amidst the turmoil. It’s one of the happiest tracks on the album, with soaring strings, harps, and a beautiful orchestral arrangement that perfectly complements the funky bass lines. This song feels like a pivotal moment in the narrative, a glimpse of hope before the final act.
The album’s closing sequence, beginning with the interlude “Feeling Diskinserted?” and culminating in the epic “The Ballad of Matt & Mica” is arguably the strongest run of tracks. “That’s My Floor” is volatile and infectious, with its crooked synths and catchy distorted guitar riffs. “Cry For Me” opens with glossy rising strings, adding a touch of psychedelia that perfectly complements Tenenbaum’s blissful vocals.
“Angel on a Satellite” the penultimate track, is a deeply emotive ballad that marks a sentimental shift, preparing the listener for the album’s conclusion. The final track, “The Ballad of Matt & Mica” is the most personal and reflective on the album. It’s a celebration of the journey the listener has just been on, with a fade-out that symbolises a farewell to the characters from Mercurial World, their previous album. This ending, signals growth and transformation.
Imaginal Disk is a remarkable evolution from Magdalena Bay’s debut. It’s expansive and meticulous, blissful yet harrowing, and supremely confident in its storytelling and production. This album is a masterclass in progressive pop, pushing the boundaries of the genre while remaining true to its core. The album demands repeated listens, each one revealing new layers and nuances. There’s a lot to unpack here. Emotionally, thematically and sonically, it’s all executed with an unparalleled level of artistry. It’s a cinematic journey, rich with thematic depth and a powerful emotional resonance.
