Originally slated for the intimate setting of YES Manchester, synth-pop duo Magdalena Bay’s gig on November 15th was moved to the larger Manchester Academy – a testament to their rapidly growing fan base and soaring popularity. As I approached the venue, the air buzzed with anticipation. The excitement was palpable, mirrored by the snaking merch queue that wrapped around inside the building. In all my years attending gigs, I had never seen a line quite like this for merchandise alone. The designs were eye-catching and unique. I found myself joining the queue, unable to resist snagging a piece of the band’s creative flair.
Inside, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. The stage setup was a visual feast, adorned with swirling psychedelic patterns and dominated by a mysterious magic mirror that evoked a touch of fairy-tale mystique. It was evident from the outset that the night would blend the whimsical and the surreal, perfectly aligning with the duo’s aesthetic.
When the lights dimmed, Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin emerged to a roar of applause. Their energy was immediate and infectious. Mica, adorned in a dazzling blue outfit, moved across the stage with an effortless grace, her leaps and spins giving her an ethereal presence. She didn’t just perform; she inhabited the space, transforming the stage into her playground. Matthew was equally engaging, his instrumental prowess providing the backbone to their dynamic sound.
They kicked off the set with tracks from their acclaimed album Imaginal Disk, each song met with enthusiastic cheers. It became clear that the audience was particularly attuned to their recent releases. ‘Image’ was a high point, igniting the room with its infectious energy. The chorus echoed as the entire audience sang along, a testament to the band’s ability to craft songs that are both catchy and deeply resonant.
‘Killshot’, which gained massive popularity on TikTok, elicited one of the loudest reactions of the evening. Midway through the song, they seamlessly transitioned into a slowed and reverbed version – a nod to the viral edits that propelled the track to fame. This inventive twist resonated deeply with the crowd, many of whom likely discovered the band through social media.
It wasn’t just about the hits though. During ‘Chaeri’, the duo fostered a genuine connection with the audience. They encouraged everyone to join in on the chant: “Three, four, down to the floor, lose control, a little more.” The collective participation transformed the venue into a unified chorus, a moment of shared joy that highlighted the communal power of live music.
The standout moment was ‘Tunnel Vision,’ which culminated in an exhilarating breakdown, morphing into a noisy, fuzzy haze reminiscent of shoegaze and noise pop. This unexpected sonic shift added a rich layer to their synth-pop soundscape, showcasing their versatility and willingness to push genre boundaries.
Mica’s vocal performance throughout the night was impeccable. Replicating the intricate vocal inflections of studio recordings in a live setting is no small feat, yet she delivered with both precision and emotional depth. Each note was imbued with authenticity, reminding us of the raw power of live vocals in an age often dominated by studio enhancements.
Visually, the concert was a spectacle. Mica’s multiple outfit changes added to the theatricality of the performance. During ‘Crying for Me,’ she appeared in a flowing cape that caught the stage lights, casting shimmering reflections that enhanced the song’s emotive impact. Later, she donned angel wings, a visual metaphor that complemented the soaring melodies and added to the surrealism of the show.
As the evening progressed, I took a moment to step back and absorb the scene from a different perspective. From the rear of the venue, I watched as couples swayed together, friends danced in tight-knit circles, and strangers connected over shared rhythms. Tracks like ‘Secrets (Your Fire)’ seemed to weave an invisible thread through the crowd, uniting everyone in a collective experience of music and emotion.
Exiting the venue, Oxford Road was alive with animated conversations. Fans relived their favourite moments, humming melodies, and sharing videos captured during the performance. For longtime followers and new fans alike, the night’s performance was a compelling showcase of what Magdalena Bay has to offer. If this concert is any indication, they’re poised for even greater success, and I am excited to see where their mercurial journey takes them next.
