It's you, the purest you.
A disk has been inserted. The extraterrestrial doctor who injected this disk remains unfazed, as do you. The process of relearning what it is to be human commences. You join a different reality and become True—the fictional character in this narrative. Gazing from the outside, you embark on a journey of personal transformation, disillusionment, rebirth and unexpected self-discovery. Welcome to the Imaginal Disk.
A month ago I had the privilege of being transported into this world that is Magdalena Bay’s sophomore album Imaginal Disk. Magdalena Bay is a duo of singer Mica Tenenbaum and producer Matthew Lewin. They debuted in 2016 with singles and EPs before releasing their first album, Mercurial World, in 2021. Known for their infectious and danceable production style, their music exudes an affluent luxurious, spacey sound. Initially part of a progressive-rock group in high school, they transitioned to electronic music in college, which offered more opportunities for collaboration despite physical distance. They weave influences from prog-rock legends like Pink Floyd and The Beatles throughout the record.
The album's title alludes to the transformation occurring within imaginal discs, unique cells in a caterpillar that play a critical role in its metamorphosis into a butterfly. Imagined discs exist in us, but they remain dormant until we are prepared to undergo the process of transformation and become the individuals we are destined to be. The narrative, in typical MagBay style, uses a sci-fi analogy about a surgical procedure where a disk—an imaginal disk, if you will—is placed into the skull, leading to the manifestation of the "real you." The album's psychedelic, timeless sound defies expectations. Imaginal Disk explores evolution's essence—both biological and emotional.
The opener, “She Looked Like Me!” is the absolute sweetest wake-up call. This track evokes the spirit of this year's earlier release of A24’s I Saw the TV Glow with its nostalgic soundscape filled with melancholy and complexity. We as an audience encounter True, a protagonist who represents one’s idealized self. “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.” Mica’s vocals oscillate between anger and anxiety, but as it transitions to the end of the song the tension built pops into pure bliss.
Next, "Killing Time" delves into the feeling of being trapped in a repetitive cycle, with the protagonist, True, waiting for her destined life to begin. This upbeat track creates a catchy and rhythmic chorus that explores the essence of mundanity. Themes of time’s paradox and destructive abundance resonate in this bass-focused experimental track.
“Image” stands out as a sultry synth piece, with Mica’s vocals reminiscent of Britney Spears or Gwen Stefani, creating a fashion week-inspired runway set on a spaceship. The lyrics suggest that the procedure has been finalized and the creation of an alluring, quintessentially ‘True’ is complete. The instrumentals remind me heavily of Jessie Ware’s 2020 project "What's Your Pleasure?" practicing the celebration of flourishing confidence.
The dual nature of the human experience is explored in "Death & Romance." This avant-garde electronic-pop track served as the album's lead single. In this song, our girl True falls in love, illustrating how strong emotion can be both thrilling and terrible. Magdalena Bay depicts love and death as interwoven forces. "I give and you give, 'til it's all that we have" encapsulates devoting your entire existence to the world up until the point of death. Alternatively, it may allude to a romantic partnership in which you dedicate yourself fully and persevere to the finish line. The lyrics suggest that love, while beautiful, is also painful because of its impermanence.
“Fear, Sex” introduces angsty percussion, distorted synths and pulsating beats to create a sensual energy. Focusing on the break up of the protagonist's relationship previously depicted in “Death & Romance,” this song reflects on the intimacy and attraction that often coexist with fear: something that can both hinder and heighten desire.
The anguish continues in “Vampire in the Corner,” where True yearns to become a better lover and win their former partner back. I can appreciate the clever lyricism to represent seeing an ex as a vampire, whether it’s sucking the life out of you or insinuating that there’s no more love to pour out of your body. This track serves as a pivotal moment in the story where our protagonist grapples with their negative emotions before moving toward a desire for self-improvement. The last chorus, in which the narrator gushes their sentiments to the person they love, explodes in sheer desperation. “Vampire in the Corner” is my personal favorite from the album, as Mica’s vocals truly shine through on this track.
Rendering the idea of Visions by Grimes, “Watching T.V.” serves as an electronic masterpiece with crazy echoes, reverbs and layered textures. The voicemail-esque segments in the chorus hint at the protagonist's introspection and nostalgia for her old self. “Hello? How are you? / Just wanted to say I miss you. / So call me back. / Someday.” I've never heard any elements of production like in the post-chorus before. It utilizes CD skip sounds and their flamboyant nature to enhance the emotional landscape.
In “Tunnel Vision,” the narrator confronts the root of their problems: themself! Themes of obsession and self-questioning arise as they seek out of the mess they made and create tunnel vision toward the solution. Syncopated quirky beats and arpeggiated synths reference the band's earlier prog-rock inspiration that is so heavily prevalent in the outro.
As if this album couldn't get more diverse, a Lil Yachty sample makes its way into the mix! “Love is Everywhere” (reimagined from the 2023 album Let’s Start Here) doesn’t focus on romantic love specifically, instead broadening the concept to include something more expansive and spiritual. After the self-realization in “Tunnel Vision” our protagonist has learned to love herself, despite all her flaws - YAY! This ’70s psychedelic funk gives a sense of wondering: Is this it? Have we faced acceptance?
However, in “Cry for Me” True goes out in a blaze of glory before her ultimate demise: death. This sinister homage to ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” underscores that comparison and insecurities are the true villains in the endless cycle of self-image, which is what True in herself represents. With soaring strings and ominous keys, the track evokes a sense of impending doom so vast that you'd think this was Mother Gothel's groundbreaking solo in Tangled.
“Angel On a Satellite” marks the conclusion of the whole procedure and True herself. The lyrics suggest a celestial revelation: “A thousand eyes / Turn to stone in monochrome / Surprise, surprise / They turn to smile at the same time.” The Bible's depictions of angels with a plurality of eyes as ethereal and scary emphasize their transcendent and otherworldly qualities. They are not human-like creatures, but rather celestial beings existing beyond our understanding. Which can be compared to what True has represented throughout this whole story. Was True secretly an angel in disguise this whole time for the protagonist to enter self-love and discovery? It’s up to interpretation!
There's a lot to digest here in a jam-packed 15 track 54-minute album. Upon initial listening, the audience may feel overwhelmed by the level of insane risky synth bursts and melodic pop beats. While the interludes contribute to the overall themes, they may not captivate every listener. On any other project, just about every song would be considered an album highlight; it's meticulous to pick favorites when there are loads to appreciate on each and every one. Magdalena Bay has proved that every sound, lyric and production choice is in their best interest, blurring genre lines and sparking a new art form within the format of pop music. Imaginal Disk is not just an album; it's an invitation to explore the dormant possibilities within ourselves, waiting for the right moment to emerge.
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