With their album, Imaginal Disk, pop duo Magdalena Bay is pushing past pop music’s limits. With dizzying, glimmering, and electronic synth sounds, the duo is creating out-of-this-world pop music.
Released back in late 2024, the pop duo’s second studio album continued to draw on the infectious melodies, synth works, witty lyrics, and danceable beats from their previous works. Imaginal Disk is a concept album that follows True, a character whose body rejects a compact “imaginal disk” designed to transform her into her ideal self, which leads her on a journey of self-discovery. Although concept albums are considered risky due to the tension between musical quality and an interesting, cohesive narrative, Imaginal Disk effortlessly immerses listeners in the record’s narrative and sound.
Almost two years after its release, the record stands out amongst its contemporaries and continues to draw in new listeners. However, before diving into the synth-pop record, who is the creative force behind this album, and how did it come about?
Who is Magdalena Bay?
Formed in 2016, Magdalena Bay consists of synth-pop duo Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin. However, before officially forming Magdalena Bay, the pair were part of a prog-rock band, Tabula Rasa, in high school. After releasing two albums, the pair split as they both went off to college. Despite this split, the two reconnected artistically and romantically during college, forming Magdalena Bay.
Although the duo despised pop music when they were growing up in the early 2000s, they eventually conquered the genre with their unique mixtapes and records.
After graduating from college, the pair moved to Los Angeles and took a leap into their musical career. They released their first mixtape, Mini Mix Vol 1, in 2019, which offered a promising and catchy start for the duo. However, the pair gained significant popularity in 2021 when their song “Killshot” went viral on TikTok. As of 2026, the song has amassed over 160 million streams on Spotify and is one of their most popular songs on the platform. Shortly after their media breakthrough, the pair released their debut album, Mercurial World.
The making of Imaginal Disk
When the pair were playing and throwing around ideas for their sophomore album, they brought up the idea of someone inserting a CD into their forehead. During this time, Tenenbaum was reading about and fascinated by the imaginal disc – a part of larvae that survives destruction during metamorphosis and contains genetic code for the insect to evolve.
While the imaginal disc played a huge role in the conception of the record, Tenenbaum’s discussions about the subconscious and personnel in therapy heavily influenced the themes of the record. Her therapy sessions and fascination with the imaginary disc eventually spiraled into a sci-fi and retro world.
Imaginal Disk explores growth, evolution, and the fluidity of identity among a sci-fi and futuristic sound. In an interview with DIY magazine, Tenenbaum explains that the album is an “attempt to look at [herself] in a way that [she] hadn’t before. There is resistance there, and then acceptance of what [she] saw and what [she] learned about [herself].”
Imaginal Disk
The duo released Imaginal Disk on August 23, 2024. Out of all the exceptional albums that were released that year, such as Brat by Charli XCX, Short n’ Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter, and Chromakopia by Tyler, the Creator, Imaginal Disk stands out amongst the bunch. The record’s production, mixing, and visuals have improved since the duo’s last release, instantly blowing listeners away from the start.
“Image” is one of the many phenomenal and catchy tracks on the album. Released back as a single in early 2024, the track features a sharp, thick syncopated bassline and heavy synths. As the song shifts from a melodic opening to a sonic vortex, listeners are transported into a high-energy, futuristic sound. “Death & Romance” is an infectious pop track that perfectly encapsulates the duo’s unique sound for this record. The track ensnares listeners with its bouncy piano riffs and beats, packs a punch with its punchy drums, and features a subtle but funky bassline. The song is one of the most danceable tracks on the record, with its fun, futuristic sound and Tenenbaum’s enchanting melodic vocals.
On “Love Is Everywhere,” the duo plays around with crisp drums and funky, groovy synths while Tenenbaum sings of finding love and connection in the ordinary within a chaotic world. “Love, love is / everywhere,” Tenenbaum sings, “If, if you want it / there.” A particular standout on the record is “That’s My Floor,” as it connects rock elements with the duo’s signature synth pop sounds. With its energetic, upbeat, and carefree tone, the song compels listeners to sing along and dance.
“Cry For Me” can be described as the climax of the record and one of the best songs on the album. The track feels heavily inspired by ABBA as it blends 70’s disco-inspired strings with the record’s futuristic and spacey feel. The build-up during the song comes full circle as Tenenbaum starts to sing in a dramatic and shouty way, which makes one feel as if they are “crying in the club”.
Latest releases
After the release of Imaginal Disk and embarking on a tour, the duo released a series of singles in late 2025. “Paint Me A Picture” does not stray from Magdalena Bay’s masterful perfection of sci-fi and synth-inspired pop. The track feels atmospheric as it spotlights the slow and heavy sounds of the bassline, rather than the drums.
In “Unoriginal,” the duo takes a step back from their typical synth-heavy style and embraces more acoustic instruments, making the track feel more organic and stripped-back compared to Imaginal Disk. Despite this musical shift, the duo maintains their unique and meticulous sound, as the song contemplates the monotony of daily life. Similarly, “This Is The World (I Made It For You)” shifts away from sci-fi sounds and returns to the group’s prog-rock roots. The song features shimmery synths, a layered production, and a dreamy pop sound. Accompanying the track’s catchy melody, Tenenbaum sings of a one-sided and co-dependent relationship.
The duo’s palace in pop music
With Imaginal Disk and their latest batch of singles, Magdalena Bay is quickly becoming an unstoppable pop music force to be reckoned with. In an era where music, particularly pop music, is inflated with bland and repetitive sounds, the duo stands out amongst their peers for their catchy and experimental sounds. By rejecting typical pop conventions, they create a sound that is both distinctive and high quality.
