It’s been a long few years, but with ‘Wannabeher’ being their third release in the run up to their new album, it’s safe to say it’s like they’ve never been away. That’s right, finally, the MUNA drought is over.

Different from their previous two singles, ‘Wannabeher’ demands attention: it’s energetic and driven. An instant earworm from the get go that kickstarts with pulsing, crunchy synths, there’s an edginess to it that we’ve not seen prior in ‘Dancing On The Wall’ and ‘So What’. 

Front woman Katie Gavin delivers the verses in a spoken, almost conversational style, with the confrontational lyrics “Tight b*tch / she’s a right b*tch / getting psyched b*tch / start a fight b*tch” adding to the grittiness of the whole track. The trio are unafraid to be direct about the messiness they’re exploring, and that undeniable confidence oozes through. 

“This song is our version of Bikini Kill’s ‘Rebel Girl’, MUNA previously explained. “It's about the experience of really admiring someone and feeling confused about whether you want to be them or be with them or both. A gay canon event." 

The chorus then taps back into classic MUNA territory that the trio know all too well, sprinkling their glittery, indie-pop sheen over the roughness that stays unphased throughout the entire track. It’s an addictive floor-filler, with the hook of lyrics “I think that I might wanna be her” bound to be stuck in listeners' heads. 

If this is anything to go off for their upcoming album, which arrives on 8th May via Phoebe Bridgers’ label Saddest Factory Records, it looks like it’s shaping up to be something special. 'Wannabeher' will definitely leave listeners hungry for more.

Emily McIntyre

@emilym.cintyre 

Image: Dean Bradshaw