Katie Gavin, one-third of MUNA — “the greatest band of all time,” as they tag themselves — recently released her debut solo single “Aftertaste.” This reintroduction was accompanied by the announcement of a full solo album, What a Relief, and a tour in the Fall.
“Aftertaste” is catchy and upbeat. It is biting into a ripe cherry and then using it as a blush and lip tint. It encapsulates summer in all its warmth and freshness and has an undeniably rosy, youthful energy.
Its video, which Gavin co-directed with Alexa Viscius, dutifully reflects the lyrics and Gavin’s message, which discusses falling into a new relationship and experiencing honest, — naked, so to speak — pure intimacy by allowing oneself to be unapologetically open and adoring of a partner. Gavin enters in a trench coat, her hair covered by a scarf and eyes invisible behind dark sunglasses. As Gavin sheds her layers until completely unclothed, she sings, “I’m the empress in my new clothes,” a nod to the Danish folktale The Emperor’s New Clothes. Making eye contact with the camera yet covering her body where she can, she sings, “I feel naked when you look my way, you can see it on my face. You’re the only reason I came here, you’re the only reason I stay here.” She harmonizes with herself throughout the chorus, creating a beautiful blend, “And I’m living for the aftertaste, don’t you tell me it’s too late.”
“Aftertaste” and its accompanying video have already garnered extreme support from fans in just a few days. Gavin took it upon herself to create a dance trend for the song on TikTok, and fans followed suit, copying it in their own videos with “Aftertaste” as the soundtrack. Their captions and comments all come to the same conclusion: it is Gavin’s time to shine.
The announcement of a solo career within any band is sure to bring questions and anxiety among fans. However, Gavin didn’t miss a beat, posting a TikTok assuring them of MUNA’s future almost immediately after her announcement. The band shared that McPherson and Maskin were heavily involved in Gavin’s solo project; McPherson noted that they played many “riffs” on “Aftertaste.” MUNA’s socials, as well as the individual band members and collaborators — Saddest Factory Records, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus, among others — have reposted many of Gavin’s announcements and encouraged fans to show their support.
This new project isn’t a shedding of the past, but instead embraces another evolution of MUNA and the unbreakable relationship of its members.
MUNA, the alt-pop band consisting of three multi-talented musicians, Gavin, Naomi McPherson, and Josette Maskin, has had a huge year. Before opening for Taylor Swift on The Eras Tour, MUNA headlined two sold-out shows at The Greek Theater, a performance they recently released as a full album. Their 2022 collaboration “Silk Chiffon” with Phoebe Bridgers of Boygenius cemented the band in the hearts and minds of queer music fanatics, and their subsequent self-titled record and accompanying tour added to their success. For example, last week the band performed at Pitchfork Music Festival and joined the iconic Alanis Morisette onstage.
Gavin’s North American tour is scheduled for 12 headlining dates in intimate venues. While it is unclear how much involvement McPherson and Maskin will have in Gavin’s solo career or how long fans will have to wait for new music from the band as a whole, their collective commitment and enthusiasm ensure an exciting new chapter in the MUNAverse.
Featured Photo Credit: Alexa Viscius