Featured Photo Credit: Isaac Schneider
On June 24, MUNA returned with their third album, self-titled “MUNA.” The album includes the successful 2021 single “Silk Chiffon”, in which the band partnered with Phoebe Bridgers to produce a lighthearted, smooth track. “MUNA” is a cohesive electro-pop soundscape, with a balanced blend of upbeat tracks and heartfelt ballads.
The second track on the album, “What I Want”, is a hard-hitting track about desire and a chaotic lifestyle, as lead singer Katie Gavin sings, “I’ve spent way too-too-too many years not knowing what I wanted, how to get it, how to live it”. Strong bass, staccato electronic synth, and intense drums both construct the track and supplement the music video’s flashing paparazzi lights and party scenes. The music video paints the image of a socialite, giving a sense of glamour and fame as Katie navigates a club and dances on a car with her entourage.
“Kind of Girl” is a testament to growth and change, as Katie sings of the girl she wishes to become. It’s wistful, hopeful, and optimistic, with lyrics like, “I’m a girl who’s blowing on a dandelion, thinking how the winds could change at any given time.” The sweeping ballad is a respite from the intense electronic sound of the album, with soft guitar and violin descants providing an acoustic, heartfelt feel. The simplicity of the drums and guitar allows the raw vocals and emotional lyricism of Katie’s wishful thinking to shine through, making “Kind of Girl” a true standout song.
With a laidback tempo and a catchy synth backdrop, “Anything But Me” acts as an upbeat, positive spin on a breakup song. The lyrics are those of wishing well but letting go, and Katie speaks of putting herself first, singing, “I would rather lose you than who I’m meant to be, so you can have anything but me”. Fluttering riffs pepper the bridge, and the outro explodes into harmony as Katie vocalizes, giving the track a fuller, cathartic sound.
MUNA will be touring North America and the UK starting this July. Tickets are on sale now.