Los Angeles synthpop duo Magdalena Bay lit up Elliot Hall of Music at Purdue University last Thursday. Purdue Convocations, in collaboration with Purdue Student Concert Committee, delivered nothing short of an unforgettable night, transporting attendees into a neon dreamscape.
Local legends 3rd Street Collective started the night off right with the type of uniquely hungry energy that defines local Midwest music scenes. Based in West Lafayette, the group blends R&B, rock, jazz, and hip-hop, perfectly pairing explosive moments and smooth grooves.
Balancing a lineup of seven, their unity is remarkable, with each member intentionally highlighting another in a way that somehow reinforces individuality while simultaneously displaying their impressive cohesion. While solidifying their legacy within Purdue’s local scene, 3SC has effectively put themselves on the map as an undeniable force that far surpasses the scope of northwest Indiana.
Dynamic and alive, Magdalena Bay took the stage, delivering a performance that from the first track leaned into their signature aesthetic of glossy synths, layered visuals, and a kind of surreal stage presence.
The duo, made up of Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin, constructed a performance that was nothing short of cinematic. Precise and thoughtful, there is a grounding sense of self-awareness — a playfulness that keeps things from becoming distant or artificial. Layered instrumentation paired with lilting, enticing vocals in delicate balance with dreamy visuals created an intimate and surreal escape.
Complete with tracks from their critically acclaimed second studio album Imaginal Disk, it is clear the duo approaches each performance as its own rather than simply as a stop on a tour. They do so with careful specificity, making the audience feel seen. It was one of those shows where everything seemed to slow, and there was nothing except that very moment.
Magdalena Bay’s headline run may be over, but they’ll continue performing next month with upcoming festival appearances, including at Kilby Block Party in Salt Lake City.
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