MUNA Are Back With Spirit And Synths Galore In ‘Dancing On The Wall’

Back in February, the California-based band MUNA delighted us all with their return after a short hiatus.  This came in the form of a joyous summery single, titled ‘Dancing On The Wall’, plucking us right from the dregs of winter. It was upbeat and messily confessional in the way this group does best, so an album announcement of the same name came as a welcome surprise.

Now, just three months later, the record is finally here to kick the brighter months off in an array of gay desire, with political outbursts and faulty air-con aplenty. Let’s just say that concert crowds are likely to be a sea of red and black, if the re-branding is anything to go by.

Band members Katie Gavin, Naomi McPherson and Josette Maskin have made a name for themselves as a dream team among the sapphic community, boosted by an unforgettable opener set for Boygenius’ Gunnersbury Park show, back in 2023. Writing songs with either gender-neutral or female pronouns allowed listeners of lesbian and queer sexualities to feel at home in their lyrics, to relish in the experience and relate. Try going to any Pride event these days without hearing ‘Silk Chiffon’ or ‘I Know A Place’.

Suffice to say, that this release boasts a few tracks that are sure to receive similar acclaim. The opening ‘It Gets So Hot’ is a pumping ode to both the California heatwaves and lust. It kicks the record off with enough intrigue to fuel a Bay Wheels Bike Share. There’s a clever little nod to Gavin’s own songwriting process too, as she sings that “The house I live in doesn’t have A.C”, a truly American experience that was shared back at Rough Trade East’s February Q&A event.

The rest of the album maintains that high energy throughout thanks to Naomi McPherson’s striking production. MUNA have always gravitated towards the pop sound in both their upbeat and more contemplative tracks. This time round, however, their acoustic notes appear to be missing, opting for a heavy synth presence and drum machines. It’s not too far a step away from previous releases, but operates as a significant change, particularly notable in the electric ‘Wannabeher’, the band’s own take on Bikini Kill’s 1993 hit ‘Rebel Girl’. That intro of driving bass and Gavin’s chanting vocals is a surefire head-banger for the taking.

Two instrumental transitions find their way into the mix as well, adding a unique touch to listening. These make the album feel like more of a collective experience rather than a collection of singles, a treat in this era of indie-pop.

Lyrically, ‘Dancing On The Wall’s’ content carries a newer maturity to MUNA’s discography, for their wider move in aesthetics. Themes vary from toxic relationships, insecurities, a satirical take on a city, and political rage. ‘Eastside Girls’, released as the final single, is sure to strike a particular chord with the Los Angeles crowd, poking affectionate fun over the “Ren faire” trend and “Roommate drama, rent control”. It’s locational observation at its finest.

Stand-outs, however, come from the songs ‘Big Stick’ and ‘Buzzkiller’, which is an expertly fractured blend of avoidance and low self-esteem. The former captures that aforementioned political rage among a tale of influencer control, taking on a universal persona. Not only are the instrumentals crystal-clear, but there’s something beautiful about hearing artists use their platform in such an earnest way through lyrics like “We give kids in Palestine PTSD/But we’ll never f****’n ever give them something to eat”. The band know their social influence and channel this into both art and affirmative action.

Overall, it’s not hard to see that MUNA are back in business. Crafting an evolved identity while staying true to their roots, ‘Dancing On The Wall’ celebrates how far the band have come. This new era is certain to be an unforgettable one for these three pop pioneers, and adoring fans alike. 

Sofia Neal

@girlfailsofiaeve

Image: 'Dancing On The Wall' Official Album Cover

                                                                                      
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