On September 23, American pop duo Magdalena Bay took the stage at the Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix. As a casual listener, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect walking into the venue, but the sight of hundreds of fans with their faces painted blue made it clear this wasn’t going to be an ordinary concert.

The “Imaginal Mystery Tour,” celebrating the release of their second studio album Imaginal Disk, takes listeners on a complete journey. From the ethereal opener, “She Looked Like Me!,” to the introspective closer, “The Ballad of Matt & Mica,” this album was meant to be played live.

Unfamiliar with the opener, Oxis, I found myself adding her songs to my playlists just moments after leaving the photo pit. Despite some technical difficulties, she handled it like a pro and continued to live-mix her entire set. 

Shortly after, Magdalena Bay’s set began. They opened the show with “She Looked Like Me!,” and fans immediately screamed every single lyric, rocking the barricade with excitement. The theater definitely filled itself out, and at one point, the duo reflected on their growth. Nearly a year ago, they had played to 1,200 people in Arizona, which has now grown to 4,000. 

Frequent wardrobe changes, striking accessories, and mesmerizing lighting kept the audience captivated throughout the show. The setlist blended tracks from Imaginal Disk and Mercurial World, along with fan favorites from earlier mixes and EPs.

As an unexpected encore, Magdalena Bay surprised the crowd with the debut of a brand-new track called “Second Sleep,” set to release on Friday. The performance instantly captivated the room, silencing nearly 3,000 people as they became fully immersed in what felt like the beginning of a new era for the duo.

Whether you’ve been listening to Magdalena Bay for years or are just now discovering their music, be sure to check out a show. To purchase tickets, visit https://imaginaldisk.world/tour.

Follow MAGDALENA BAY | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC