The Perfect Album for Crying While Dancing: MUNA’s Dancing on the Wall
Lesbian darlings MUNA are back with their fourth album after nearly four years of being booked and busy. MUNA, for the uninformed, is a pop trio made up of Katie Gavin, Jo Maskin, and Naomi McPherson, and they might be who Jojo Siwa was thinking of when she talked about “gay pop.”
From opening for the eras tour, the release of an album by lead singer Katie Gavin in 2024, and 2024 single “One That Got Away”, the band kept their fans fed in the meantime, but I’m sure we all had a collective sigh of relief when the album announcement came on that fateful February day for Dancing on the Wall.
This new era began with the release of the title track, introducing fans to the grittier black and white world of the album, undercut by accents of red. A visual and tonal departure from their previous works, this album combines their signature 80’s synth pop sound with some grungier, industrial beats, underscored by lyrics that oscillate between lustful and queer to melancholic pleas.
“It Gets so Hot” sets the scene: a hot and humid California summer affair culminating at a party. It’s sensual, sticky, and lustful - leading the feeling of first half of the album. “On Call”, an especially 80’s inspired track, continues this story with Gavin telling her suitor that she’d be there for anything that the girl she’s suiting needs (“I wanna be somebody to you / But if just you want a warm body that works too”).
“So What” may be my personal favorite of the album, inspired by Gavin’s raspy and slightly despondent delivery of lyrics which tell of an avoidant and anxious attachment. The production breakdown of the bridge packs the punch on already melancholic song, repeating distorted “So what / if you don’t love me?” amongst twinkling synths, and an outro that feels like getting lost in your own head as it transitions into “Party’s Over”. This song is emblematic of the magic that happens when Gavin’s lyrics get brought to life by McPherson.
“Make you wanna build an army and wage a war / Make you wanna show the world what America’s for / and how America gives more than America takes”
“Big Stick” is a departure from much of the other work in MUNA’s discography, bringing the members’ real-world activism into a confrontational and explicitly political song that touches on the Palestinian genocide, police brutality, and self-image issues caused by the media. In a time where many artists are silent, this song is much needed, in my opinion. However, as soon as we are introduced to this side of MUNA, we go back to the dancier synthpop the band is known for. While they don't have to have an album full of political anthems, I would love to see this side come out more often because it really hits.
Another album standout comes with “Why Do I Get a Good Feeling”. The penultimate track of the album begins with faster vocal takes from Gavin before transitioning into some airier takes on the chorus as she sings “You and I know there’s no good reason / So why do I get a good feeling / Why do I get a good feeling from you”. The track backing track is uptempo and, as it moves into the bridge, incorporates a string-like instrumental to underscore the already present synths. It’s hopeful and dreamy and I love it.
Overall, this album slots cohesively into their discography while taking some daring moves both sonically and lyrically, showcasing the growth of the band. I definitely will hear some of these songs in pride playlists this year; notably “Wannabeher”, “Eastside Girls”, and “It Gets So Hot”. As always, I continue to look forward to MUNA’s future ventures (manifesting a tour stop near me) and thank you to MUNA for allowing me early listening access to this album.
