By Molly Tursi
Staff Writer
In the image of synth and song, high school sweethearts and creative partners Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin have been a hidden figure of alternative pop and multi-media for several years. Shedding their skin a few necessary times in the process, their musical presence has refined into the inimitable creative body of the experimental pop-duo Magdalena Bay.
Following the stellar success of their 2024 studio album “Imaginal Disk,” Tenenbaum and Lewin embarked on the United States and Canadian leg of the Imaginal Mystery Tour beginning in September 2024. Commencing amidst a flourishing fanbase and mass of acclaim, the tour saw Magdalena Bay rise as modern mavens of experimentalism.
Coming full circle after playing a previous sold-out show in the city at the start of the tour, Magdalena Bay bid farewell to the U.S. on Oct. 26 as they performed the last night of the Imaginal Mystery Tour at the Fillmore in Philadelphia.
Fans costumed in Imaginal Disk fashion filed into the Fillmore in anticipation as the doors opened at 7 p.m. The line extended beyond the venue and onto the streets of Fishtown, signifying a lively and energetic crowd.
The audience eagerly pushed their way to the barricade, bathing in blue light and a gauze of smoke that swarmed the venue. Concertgoers pointed as Magdalena Bay’s stage props could be seen in the distance, featuring biblical angels, electronic screens and a towering staircase.
The music started at 8 p.m. with L.A. based dance and electronica producer Oxis, who regaled the audience with a setlist composed of songs titled after species of fish. She ended the opening set with her latest single “Pirhana.”
Charmed by Oxis, Magdalena Bay fans waited patiently for the show to continue with the main act. Just as the noise slowed to a simmer, Tenenbaum and Lewin took center stage with drummer Nick Villa and keyboardist Myles Sweeney in tow. The crowd welcomed them with an outpour of commotion.
Magdalena Bay soared into their twenty-two song setlist with “She Looked Like Me!” “Killing Time” and “True Blue Interlude.” Tenenbaum led the transition into “Image,” rollicking across the stage in a deep blue jumpsuit and rousing the audience to dance.
The theatrics started with “Vampire in the Corner.” Tenenbaum stood before the crowd on a platform, donning a sunflower headdress and drooping like a desiccated plant, singing “Sorry like a flower that never gets any sun / I hang my head down, let the bees do their buzz.”
The set culminated with the fan favorite “Cry for Me.” Tenenbaum, now in a red jumpsuit adorned with small planets, commanded the crowd with her aspirated and lustrous vocals whilst the exhilarating synth-pop melody ascended over the room.
All eyes were on Tenenbaum who returned into the light as an angel to conclude the show with “Angel on a Satellite” and “The Ballad of Matt and Mica.” The music drew to a close as Magdalena Bay waved goodbye to their adoring audience, who were now keen for the encore.
Magdalena Bay promptly returned to the stage to perform “Dreamcatching,” “Second Sleep” and “The Beginning.” Ramping spirits back up, Lewin took to the guitar while Tenenbaum sang and swayed with sprightly energy.
The show ended with a peal of applause, thanking Magdalena Bay for a magical performance.
The final show at the Fillmore in Philadelphia commemorated the Imaginal Mystery Tour and fans’ ineffable appreciation for “Imaginal Disk.” As Magdelena Bay makes their way to Europe, the album undoubtedly echoes in the minds of everyone lucky enough to experience it live.
