Dynamic American alternative pop duo Magdalena Bay imagined and brought to life a new universe of music with their otherworldly, synth-pop, disco-inspired sophomore album “Imaginal Disk.” Proceeded by three singles – “Death & Romance,” “Image,” and “Tunnel Vision” – “Imaginal Disk” has brought an end to “brat” summer and the start of a “True Blue” autumn.
“Imaginal Disk” is a conceptual album that explores the story of a character named True who lives in an alternate reality. Magdalena Bay explained in an interview with PAPER MAGAZINE that in this universe they created, an extraterrestrial race inserts “mind discs” into primitive beings to bestow consciousness, but when True’s mind is unable to evolve with the updated disc, she begins her journey to find out what being human really means. This album possesses a storyline that reflects more complex notions and underlying meanings; “Imaginal Disk” is art that imitates life.
Tenenbaum and Lewin took the sounds and beats of alternative indie music and elevated it with the addictive hooks and choruses that pop is characterized by. Oftentimes what alt music lacks is diversity; the sounds of albums and songs blend together without a central theme, chorus, or hook to anchor the project. “Imaginal Disk” is an amalgamation of space rock, defined by its loose, flowy, and unearthly sounds, neo-psychedelia, a groovy style of music popularized in the 1960s, and alternative indie, made up of lo-fi and rock instrumentals. The duo then adds their own defining touch by channeling a glittery pop aspect into their music that ties everything together into a spacey and compelling record.
Imaginal in “Imaginal Disk” is embodied by the fourth track on the album, “Image,” a primary example of this unique sonic production. Distinguished by its whimsical, airy vocals and sparkling sound, it is one of the most breathtaking songs on “Imaginal Disk.” “Image” is a psychedelic, windswept track that hooks the listener with its intoxicating chorus and disco-synth pop production. Lyrics like “Make me in your image/Oh, so hot/Through a two-way mirror” and “Meet your brand new image” spotlight the song’s introspective and self reflective meaning while also building an unforgettable chorus.
Continuing this, “Fear, Sex” and “Cry For Me” are interwoven with twinkling metallic rings, a steampunk-esque spacey sound, eerie lyrics, and a heavy 80s influence. “Fear, Sex”, preceded and seamlessly transitioned into by “Death & Romance,” encapsulates feelings of being stranded, loneliness, and a desperate, almost primal-like need for survival. It is overwhelmed with ominous synth instrumentals and a mysterious chorus: “I’m sending out a distress/So get me out of this mess.” “Cry For Me” leans heavily into an 80s styled sound reminiscent of ABBA. This track alludes to themes of absolution and guilt, following the perspective of an anti-hero of sorts. While both have more sinister meanings, they still manage to embody the album’s overall sparkly sound and catchy, dance inducing choruses.
Somewhat contrarily tracks like “Vampire in the Corner” and “Angel on a Satellite” highlight Tenenbaum’s airy, warm vocals. These two songs have a softer approach and romantic undertones. “Vampire in the Corner” acts as an interlude between the first half and the more somber second half of the album. “Angel on a Satellite” sounds like a love letter written sitting on a cloud. The instrumentals are built off of bongos and rain sounds to create this wistfully breezy atmosphere. These two tracks emphasize the idolization of someone: a romantic longing and love for the presence of someone and what they represent to True.
Magdalena Bay leans more into the rock genre with other songs including “Death & Romance” and “That’s My Floor.” These two songs feel like a dance montage on a space odyssey in some nostalgic sci-fi film. With heavy guitar and bass, “Death & Romance” is a vibrant track notable for its crescendos preceding the chorus and Tenenbaums powerful vocals. Similar to this, “That’s My Floor” is another rock anthem that highlights Tenenbaums vocal diversity and range. Both have immaculate production that makes for an electrifying experience.
Kaleidoscopic and unparalleled, every song on “Imaginal Disk” is ingeniously unique and meticulously crafted to create a confounding album. Magdalena Bay displayed their diversity, vibrancy, idiosyncrasy, and truly amazing talents overall with this album. “Imaginal Disk” is nothing short of a masterpiece that explores parallels between this universe and the psychedelic realm created by Magdalena Bay to illustrate deeper concepts in a sonically stunning manner. It’s here, “Imaginal Disk,” will you open up your mind and b e c o m e diskinserted? •
