Magdalena Bay Steals the Day

Wonder Ballroom - October 1st

Written and photographed by Mackinley Mallard

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On the 1st of October, the block around the Wonder Ballroom was wrapped with people in angel wings, silver glitter, and blue face paint. Portland has definitely seen weirder, but the mix of people decked out in full cosmic glory merging with young adults straight out of an unironic performative male contest lead many to ask the line what the hell was going on that night. 

Oxis

Magdelena Bay, most known for their song Kill Shot, started their Imaginal Mystery Tour across North America and Europe in April 2025 and made their way to Portland recently to perform their album Imaginal Disk. The duo is made up of Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin to create a psychedelic pop experience that isn't just limited to the music. A few days before the Portland concert, they came out with 2 new songs, one being Second Sleep that was released with a music video that reflected the colourfully surreal visuals of the concert. Touring with them was Oxis who opened with their fish themed techno-pop originals, DJ looping set and guitar in hand, and her own rendition of Stromae’s Papaoutai and MGMT’s Kids. 

If I could put this night into just a few words it would probably be that it was a fever dream. One audience member said that it reminded them of “a haunted kindergartners craft station” which certainly sums up how the child-like visuals mix with a performance that leans much more sinister. The band opened with their song She Looked Like Me! getting the crowd dancing as images of eyes, clocks, and empty fields started flashing on the stage screens. 

One of the best things about this concert was that the whole set list follows a story line of a character named “True” who undergoes a transformation after an alien doctor inserts an “imaginal disk” into her brain in order for her to become a purer version of herself… pretty crazy right. As the set continues, the entire story line unfolds allowing the audience to experience a whole array of different sound experiences and costume changes; a switch from a blue to a red two-piece set, a leotard with angel wings, a sunflower hat, a bunny mask, and a cape adorned with flames.

The overall performance was spectacular, obscure, and just outright fun to experience. All the way from the artistry of the stage to the presence of the performers, it was a concert that was unique from anything else many circulating artists have been able to put forth. Upcoming by Magdalena Bay is a film inspired by Imaginal Disk, much like Melanie Martinez’ K-12, so I’d highly recommend keeping your eyes out if you want to experience some good music with an edge of psychedelic visual candy.