Imaginal Disk

Magdalena Bay

9.3

Love and its illusion of improvement. Imaginal Disk is a fifteen-part narrative that walks us through stages of self-imposed disillusionment. The challenges of change are brought to the forefront. The change in things we can’t control (such as moving to America) and those we can (ourselves.) I felt personally very attached to the story. I felt especially connected to the codependent and clingy love that both can’t keep you apart, but also can’t keep you together ultimately. This album perfectly describes the feeling of hiding your flaws the best you can even though they eventually come out in toxic ways to those closest to you. Stunning album in both writing and production.

Magdalena Bay’s interpretation of the natural ability to self-improve being a physical disk drives home how fake the “fix” truly is for our protagonist. The writing is gorgeous and remains cohesive throughout. I especially enjoyed the line: "I burn my candle out (Can I get, can I get?) So nobody else can see."

Being forced to look at your true self behind the mask you created for yourself can feel impossible. The protagonist ends up losing everyone they love to the mask and they don’t even realize it’s their fault for a long time. That span of songs captures the time that healing takes, and the ups and downs that exists on the road to improvement.

The production of this album is surreal and the pop elements provide an added feeling of dread. It feels as though the narrator is using vibrant sounds to cover up the lyrics. Everything feels off at all times, but the gorgeous soundscape pulls you in with hope. Some standout tracks for me are Image, Love is Everywhere, Killing Time, and The Ballad of Matt & Mica.