Imaginal Disk

She Looked Like Me! [Standout] | (96/100)

Opens with an iconic rhythm and a hopeful lyrical signature. When the massive drum hits, the realization sets in that this track is going to have insane progression, and Magdalena Bay deliver in full with a bombastic finale.

Killing Time [Fun] | (76/100)

Mica brings out some playful lyricism over groovy instrumentation. It's a treat, particularly to rein in the atmosphere after the explosiveness of the first track, but "Killing Time" hosts its own progression into a somewhat dark movement, with coarse textures and intentional mixing.

True Blue Interlude [Structural] | (63/100)

A strong interlude, though it feels a bit weird to have one so early; still, "True Blue Interlude" hosts smooth synthwork and Mica's spoken-word delivery is soft and welcoming.

Image [Standout] | (84/100)

This one kicks off with a whirring lead and an uncertain sense-of-self, and as Mica slips into the soundstage, it slowly develops into a very strong framework backed by a consistent four-on-the-floor beat and some rather springy synths, before collapsing into the next track "Death & Romance". Interestingly enough, it also says you'll "meet your brand new image" in "22 minutes" - this is actually during the second half of "Tunnel Vision".

Death & Romance [Upbeat] | (82/100)

Magdalena Bay opt for a more pop-leaning cut, using brighter chords and bringing out Mica's softer voice with clarity. And it works wonders as a more feel-good cut for the album to indulge itself in.

Fear, Sex [Laid-back] | (79/100)

"Fear, Sex" is probably the most simplistic cut on this record thus far, but the wistful vocal carries a special lilting flow to it, over a minimal, sonorant lead - halfway through, the glitchy synthpop retakes center stage to give this shorter track a bit more punch and flavour, before dissolving into ethereal synthwork as it powers down and transitions into "Vampire in the Corner".

Vampire in the Corner [Melodic] | (79/100)

Admittedly the first half is somewhat weak, but it lays out the foundation for a particularly strong second half, with Mica setting up her powerful chorus and the synthwork slowly building itself up to be progressively more dynamic and engaged. But where the track truly carves out its place in the album is in Mica's absolutely heavenly final chorus.

Watching T.V. [Standout] | (80/100)

Another track with quite a mellow intro, but, at this point in the album, the progression formula of "Imaginal Disk" is starting to become quite familiar. But "Watching T.V." hits all the notes in the right spots, with sparkling synth runs and a sense of advancement in the lyricism right till the climax at the end.

Tunnel Vision [Standout] | (92/100)

A strong drum and an unsettling soundscape opens the door for the first movement of "Tunnel Vision" to be aptly reflective, as a new beginning. But somewhere along the way Mica and Matt conspire to build the tension, and her vocal and his composition build the tension higher and higher amidst the grooves. And remember "Image"? The 22-minute timer has finished, and "Tunnel Vision" collapses into a breakdown of immeasurable magnitude as identity is fractured and reshaped.

Love Is Everywhere [Emotive] | (66/100)

Much like "Fear, Sex", this one is a bit simpler and more withdrawn, with an easily digestible them backed by Magdalena Bay's trademark complex instrumentation. It's got a certain groove to it, sure, but it also feels somewhat less interesting than the rest of the album.

Feeling DiskInserted? [Structural] | (67/100)

Triumphant interlude that excels at what it does, with a callback to the previous track "Love Is Everywhere" and a look forward to "Angel on a Satellite".

That's My Floor [Fun] | (88/100)

Mica's carefree vocal takes center stage for an infectious hook backed by unnecessarily powerful basslines (in the best way possible), climbing upwards to a final movement preceded by something akin to a fakeout in a stroke of songwriting brilliance.

Cry for Me [Atmospheric] | (69/100)

Strong, imposing track with an expansive atmosphere and spacey synths that sweep across the soundstage - Magdalena Bay craft a very strong first movement, but unfortunately the track drags on a while and loses sight of its goals.

Angel on a Satellite [Laid-back] | (75/100)

A track more focused on its ambience and atmosphere, founded by the piano and comparatively low-key drums. "Angel on a Satellite" does well to find itself at the foot of this album, and the lyricism is sensible and matches the mature mood of it all.

The Ballad of Matt & Mica [Upbeat] | (83/100)

Love that Magdalena Bay bring back the same rhythm from the opener "She Looked Like Me!", giving this album an explicitly cyclical experience. And, combined with Mica's confident vocal delivery and victorious manner, Magdalena Bay end this album in the same enrapturing manner with which they began it.