Magdalena Bay - 'Death & Romance'
Magdalena Bay’s new single ‘Death & Romance’ opens the floodgates to a world of psychedelic disco, an imaginative and fresh approach to the well-known genre of pop.
Los Angeles duo Mica Tenenbaum (vocals, songwriter) and Matthew Lewin (producer, songwriter) started to figure out the beginnings of what we now know as Magdalena Bay at an after-school music program in Miami where they both grew up. After becoming part of a failed attempt of a prog rock band in their early music years, Tenenbaum and Lewin discovered they were destined for bigger things. The two crossed paths again in college and rekindled their musical passion, leading to the creation of Magdalena Bay.
Using their unique contrasting blend between retro and futuristic sounds and visuals, while still staying as DIY as you can get with making their own music videos, Magdalena Bay have gathered a trusty following. Alongside their personal successes, they have toured with the likes of Charlie XCX, Caroline Polachek, and Flume, collaborated with Lil Yachty and Blue DeTiger, and played at Coachella in 2023.
Death & Romance opens with a bright and bubbly piano. Alongside the groovy basslines and heavenly vocals of Mica Tenenbaum, we’re introduced to the danceable world of their new single. Speaking on what they wanted the track to encapsulate, they said, “Imagine rain pouring, streetlights glowing. You sit at home and wait for your alien boyfriend to pick you up in his UFO… but this time, he’s not coming.” If that doesn’t already paint a dystopian futuristic image, the cover art of Death & Romance perfectly illustrates this story line.
The chorus hits with a punch of crunchy, distorted bass, giving an energetic funk. The use of whimsical 80s synths dancing from ear to ear make this track instantly recognisable as one of Magdalena Bay’s – they add an intriguing sense of depth and immersion to the song throughout.
Just over the halfway mark we’re hit with a breakdown, stripping down the instrumentals and really diving into the vocals of Tenenbaum. This serves as a perfect breather after some inevitable energy-filled dancing, before the song builds up again to an over-stimulating final chorus, throwing in all the synths and 80s inspired guitar solos. If Death & Romance is any idea of what their new spin on pop music is going to be for future tracks, Magdalena Bay is one to watch out for.
The duo has announced their 27-date UK, Europe, and North American headlining tour - The Imaginal Mystery Tour - beginning in San Francisco on September 3rd and finishing up in Dublin on November 16th.
Words by Cameron Cookson
