George Ward
Freelance journalist and online editor for CLUNK. Can be found out and about in Bristol, finding cheap records or having a pint on King Street.
Magdalena Bay treat their Bristol crowd to their album ‘Imaginal Disk’ in full, as well as some other fan favourites
Having been to so many noisy punk gigs, there is something so refreshing and light about seeing a proper pop one. And, thankfully, Magdalena Bay do not hold back on their poppiness. With several outfit changes, angel wings and hologram screens, their show is as colourful as you would expect, all led by Mica Tenenbaum’s hilariously bubblegum voice and stage presence. Seeing Magdalena Bay live is just about the most joyful experience you could ask for.
After last year’s ‘Imaginal Disk,’ my favourite album of the year, expectations were extremely high in the crowd where, with no support act, everyone was left to try to scramble to the front. Though a bit tight, we were nice and comfortable towards the back, soaking up the excitement around us. When the opening notes to ‘She Looked Like Me!’ kicked in, it was immediately clear that our expectations would be met.
Most of the set was effectively a run through of the entire new album, with not one moment left unplayed. With its bubbly studio production and lush, complex arrangements, you might expect a more stripped back live set, but somehow, with their four members, Magdalena Bay managed to completely recreate the magic on stage, with every synth line, bass buzz and guitar solo sounding just as bright and fresh as through headphones.
You could tell just how polished Magdalena Bay’s performance had become from countless tour dates. Stood on a podium, Tenenbaum held the crowd completely, belting the choruses and whispering the verses. Stood dressed as an angel, with a full face of theatrical makeup, she proved herself as one of the best pop performers out there, never once breaking character as she led us through like a sickeningly sweet pilates instructor and sometimes even shredding on her keytar.
Matt Lewin was much busier, rushing between synths and guitars and even being raised onto the podium himself at one point, taking centre stage for a huge guitar solo. The rest of the band were more understated but just as vital, with the drums especially popping even more live than in the studio.
Highlights included the triple threat of ‘Watching TV,’ ‘Vampire In The Corner’ and ‘Tunnel Vision’. The last section of ‘Watching TV’ hit especially hard, with the sound ramping up and up, while Tenenbaum’s vocals soared above: “It’s time to meet the monster inside you”. The feeling from each track hitting its climax is unbelievably satisfying.
Other than ‘Imaginal Disk,’ we were also treated to some earlier tracks, such as the extremely viral and extremely catchy ‘Killshot’. When the track reaches its midpoint, it cuts to half time, with the band swaggering through with enough cool to make every crowd member to fall in love with every band member instantly.
Closing their main set with ‘The Ballad of Matt & Mica’ was a no-brainer. The track is impossibly nostalgic, rounding the album off on the sweetest note, while referencing lines and motifs from throughout the set. But, they weren’t done yet, with the band returning for a quick encore, the inappropriately titled ‘The Beginning,’ acting like a victory lap for Magdalena Bay.
And they deserve it. Seeing such a tight pop act was a joy, and the full experience that Magdalena Bay have created for their live show is wonderful. With trippy graphics, incredible costumes and makeup and excellent vibes all round, they effortlessly bring the magic of their music to life.