Magdalena Bay’s sophomore record “Imaginal Disk” builds an immersive world from the opening moments of “She Looked Like Me!” right through to closing track “The Ballad Of Matt & Mica”. The visually charged record is an experience that transcends the music into the videos and into the live show. It’s not created for a singular media form, and instead lives within an expansive world. From the moment you listen to the album you find yourself imagining the live show, but nothing could prepare you for the theatrical, stunning and euphoric show that the “Imaginal Mystery Tour” creates.

Returning to Australia for a massive run of headline shows next to some hotly tipped festival appearances, they kicked off the headline shows in Sydney with a sold out show at Roundhouse. The excited crowd packed into the steamy venue, and when the lights dimmed and the opening refrain of “She Looked Like Me!” echoed, and Matt and Mica from Magdalena Bay ran out onto the stage, it was singalong central. It was clearly a crowd of die-hard fans who were excited to see them with the ecstatic smiles never leaving their faces, and the clear intent to be transferred into the world they created for them. 

The stage was decked out with an oval screen that projected visuals from their music videos and characters for this album, and a stunning backdrop that felt very world building. In the middle of the stage was a rectangle platform that Mica jumped on top of a lot. Throughout the show she had different headpieces, angel wings, and costume changes that continued to elevate the world-building, and felt very important to the live performance. The 90 minute show was so visually charged, but it never took away from the music or the live renditions of the songs. Instead it just enhanced everything, and helped you feel like you were truly experiencing the full purpose of “Imaginal Disk”. 

The setlist was mapped out by the entire track listing of “Imaginal Disk”, with songs like “Death & Romance”, “Tunnel Vision” and “That’s My Floor” creating standout moments. But along the way they added old favourites like “Secrets (Your Fire)”, “You Lose!”, “Chaeri”, “Killshot” and “Dreamcatching”, which the crowd loved every moment of. As the wrapped up the “Imaginal Disk” story with “The Ballad Of Matt & Mica”, they closed out the show with “The Beginning” which really felt like such a celebratory moment in the live show and a pure euphoric release. 

I walked out of Roundhouse in absolute awe of the show I just witnessed. It was a journey of music and visuals together, which brought together the audience for 90 mins of pure bliss. Magdalena Bay are an incredible band, but they are also incredible performers, and that show highlighted that they’re going to continue to play bigger and bigger venues. I’m not going to give away too much of the show with when specific things happens like I usually do, because I feel like you just need to witness it and be on the journey with them in the moment. 

Check out the full gallery captured by Sophie Hill BELOW:

Photos by Sophie Hill

MAGDALENA BAY REMAINING AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Friday 7 March – The Palace Foreshore, Melbourne VIC
Saturday 8 March – Golden Plains Festival, Meredith VIC
Sunday 9 March – A Festival Called Panama, Lilydale VIC
Tuesday 11 March – Metropolis Fremantle, Perth WA