MUNA - MUNA

Synth-pop – Released June 24, 2022 – 11 songs, 39 mins

LUNDI

Sometimes the greatest devastation can be a blessing in disguise, a fact that hits home for the latest band on the TSR review docket, MUNA. After being dropped from their first record label, which is most often a death sentence in the music industry, MUNA were offered a spot with Phoebe Bridgers’ Saddest Factory Records (greatest label name btw). In typical Bridgers fashion the press release statements were more funny than serious, a sentiment shared with the band and a sign of things to come for this partnership. After a little over a year on the label, MUNA’s third album and first with SF has dropped. 

MUNA never stay in a single lane on their self titled effort as the song structures “explodes in a ton of different directions” as described by lead singer Katie Gavin. Accompanied by Josette Maskin and Naomi McPherson the band explore many sub genres of their indie pop moniker including country (Kind of Girl), dance music (What I Want, Anything but Me), and alternative (Handle Me, Solid). It’s really a catch all collective with sounds of inspiration from HAIM, Taylor Swift, Lorde and of course the boss lady herself, Phoebe Bridgers. 

While the album is a Swiss Army knife of musical compositions it remains cohesive due to the close knit trios exceptional song writing. Focusing on self acceptance and allowing one to be happy, the albums message is a breath of fresh air in an industry which is most often branded with angst and sadness. On MUNA it’s more about how you overcome the downturns to ultimately accept yourself which no better described on the standout ballad Loose Garment with Gavin beautifully describing her life journey with the poetic lyrics: “Used to wear my sadness like a choker; Yeah, it had me by the throat; Tonight I feel I'm draped in it; Like a loose garment, I just let it flow”. Employing two star studded songwriters in Phoebe Bridgers (Silk Chiffon) and Mitski Miyawaki (No Idea) sure didn’t hurt either. 

Overall the sky is the limit for the trio. Their list of individual contributions to the album is exhaustive and it’s downright impressive to have just that much musical talent. There’s room for improvement but they are well positioned and prepared to make the jump to the next level. 

MUNA cruise through a variety of musical directions on the backs of excellent song writing. They don’t appear to know exactly who they want to be personally or as a band and want you to know that’s just perfectly fine. 

Overall Rating: 7.8/10

Favourite Song: Loose Garment 

ROZ

Up this week Too Sweet Reviews gets into the titular album of synth-pop trio MUNA. Dropped by RCA Records in 2020 and hastily picked up by the Queen of Sad™ slash TSR darling Phoebe Bridgers, it makes this reviewer curious to see what it is that peaked the interest of Bridgers and whether or not there would be parallels between the overall MUNA sound and her label, Saddest Factory Records.

First impressions hit the hardest, and at a glance MUNA was noticeably higher paced and much more energized than expected. Bridgers herself shows up on Track 1 and fits in like a glove; accompanied by light acoustic strumming and seamlessly blended with early 2000’s pop music techniques, the label owner gives her golden touch onto a fantastic record in Silk Chiffon. The album continues strong with it’s top song coming next with What I Want, a strong pop effort that could be easily compared to some of Lady Gaga’s more popular records - probably the highest praise I could give for this respective genre. Runners High brings about the trifecta as it’s retro, synthesized style and high amount of background foley creates a nice, crunchy texture that perfectly compliments the vocal effects and 909 hats (not to mention I’m a complete sucker for DnB drum breaks as well, how did they know?). Things are definitely looking up for MUNA right now.

Perhaps I spoke too soon - sometimes first impressions are not what they seem. In an unfortunate turn of events, the holes begin to form and rear their ugly head: Home By Now’s drum snare becomes so jarring that it teleports me back to the first time I listened to Metallica’s St. Anger and I shudder at the thought. No Idea’s blatant overuse of autotune effectively turns a good song into a bad one - yet another production misstep that could potentially be attributed to the group adding more cooks in the kitchen, as their writing and producing credits grow noticeably larger with each new album that comes out. Solid falls into the same trap, with overproduction plaguing the album more and more as the journey goes on.

MUNA starts at an electric high before slowly sliding down the fretboard. A very clearly talented band, this album is simply peppered with poor production choices. The crowded and grating elements paint a picture that the potential is definitely there, it’s just that their aesthetic isn’t completely nailed down - luckily with the right vision and team these problems can easily be worked out. While enjoyable overall, it begs the question as to whether any moments occur that really elevate MUNA from simply a “good” album to a great one. If this were to find its place on TSR’s ‘Sweet Meter’, it would place itself firmly in the middle - as my score will reflect. 

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

Favourite Song: What I Want

REID

Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin and Naomi McPherson make up American indie pop trio, MUNA. After releasing two studio albums with RCA and ultimately being dropped, they were recruited by Phoebe Bridgers’ independent label, Saddest Factory Records. Another new group for this listener, who heard about them for the first time when TSR skeleton man himself, Mr. Lundrigan, brought them to our attention. A bit of quick pre-listening research will tell you all three are queer, with one (McPherson) identifying as non-binary. Let’s dig in.

Five songs into this self-titled release and we’re treated with a mash-up of genres. There’s soft rock (Silk Chiffon), electropop (What I Want) and a blend of country/Western (Kind of Girl). Tracks like Handle Me, Loose Garment and Shooting Star add another layer as slower paced and lyrically strong. The impressive part is the strengths shown in them all as their obvious talent shines through in the various styles. They’re not reinventing the wheel musically but pop music rarely does. Other than the forgettable No Idea and Solid, most songs offer elements you can get behind.

MUNA made the call to focus on their LGBTQ identities rather than shy away. Much of the album is aimed at acceptance for their own selves while subsequently acting as role models for millions of young men and women out there feeling similarly. Life is too short to be anyone but yourself and the women really hammer that home. It absolutely helped that Katie shines throughout on vocals with her mates effectively back her up.

MUNA may have started something special with this album. Their individual talents are undeniable and it will be interesting to see where they are a year from now with the Phoebe Bridgers’ effect. 

Overall Rating - 7.3/10

Favourite Song - Silk Chiffon