The reactionary forces that have seized America continue to try to erase queer people from public life, but MUNA will be damned if it lets some bigots ruin its good time. And while many of us hit the dance floor to forget our problems, these proud Angelenos bring their heartaches and anxieties right along with them.
After two major-label releases earned it a devoted cult following, MUNA was dropped by RCA for, in its words, “not making enough money.” Ironically, its 2022 self-titled album, released via Phoebe Bridgers’ Saddest Factory imprint, served as a mainstream breakthrough, with the hit “Silk Chiffon” ensuring the pop world would remain a safe place for sapphic love notes. Emboldened by success, the trio doubles down on Dancing on the Wall — as shamelessly pleasure-seeking as ever but unavoidably frayed around the edges, like a great party where you can’t keep yourself from doomscrolling or obsessively checking a past love’s Insta feed.
Produced by band multi-instrumentalist Naomi McPherson, it’s MUNA’s most cohesive, streamlined release yet, filled with hard-charging keyboard stabs, percolating beats and the head rush atmosphere of a night when you lose all track of time (and also your wallet). It feels like a readymade playlist of nothing but choice moments, from the post-punk sneer of “Wannabeher” to the nearly Prince-worthy effervescence of “Girl’s Girl.” You could throw this on at a party and not ruin the vibe, though some necks may crane when taking in the lyrics.
From Scritti Politti to Pet Shop Boys, synth pop has a long, proud tradition of smuggling social commentary inside the fizz. Katie Gavin spends the title track hoping the flake she loves will finally reciprocate her affection, and “So What” is an ode to dancing until you forget all about your ex. But Gavin addresses the bigger heartaches of the world on the unrelenting “Big Stick,” seething with disdain while noting “We give kids in Palestine PTSD / But we’ll never fuckin’ ever give ’em something to eat.” A top-tier banger might not be enough to change the world, but if you can dance another day, you can fight another day too.