MUNA Debuts Personal and Politically Charged Album ‘About U’

Stephanie Hernandez

Pop trio MUNA have finally satisfied fans by releasing their highly anticipated debut album “About U.” The group formed in 2013, when Katie Gavin and Josette Maskin met Naomi McPherson while attending The University of Southern California. Guitarists Maskin and McPherson first performed with singer Gavin at a house party where their chemistry led them to create their brand of dark-pop. Following a series of informal jam sessions, MUNA was able to put together their electric debut EP, “More Perfect.” The EP was quickly picked up by countless blogs and press outlets.”More Perfect” masterfully combined elements of R&B and ’80s synth-pop, setting the trio’s sounds apart from their peers. MUNA spent the following year writing and recording new material, eventually signing to RCA before releasing their sophomore EP, “Loudspeaker” in mid 2016. Now, after what seems like a lifetime for fans of the budding group, their debut album “About U” has proven well worth the wait. 

Twelve chest pounding, in-your-face tracks fill the album’s 49-minute duration. The trio delivers powerful socially charged pop, providing us with the protest music we have been yearning for this year. Emitting dynamic progressive activist energy, MUNA finds a way to address several hot-button issues in a way that provides a cathartic release instead of divisive front. The album tackles everything from abusive relationships (“Crying on the Bathroom Floor”), to women’s rights (“Loudspeaker”) and the impact of the Orlando shooting tragedy with the tender ballad, “I Know a Place”. The Trio has created a record that is wise beyond their years and experience. Their expert and precise lyricism latches onto your soul. The tracks on “About U” have an ease about them, reminiscent to talking to an old friend.

Despite how MUNA fuses their love of dark pop sounds alongside even darker subject matter, “About U” leaves listeners with a feeling of unexpected hope. Coming at a time where so many people are feeling anxious and confused about the future, it is comforting to know someone else is also experiencing the same frantic thoughts. By applying a powerful voice to complex, often abstract ideas, MUNA gives listeners just one more reason to fall in love with their work. Hopefully, the trio’s debut album will encourage other equally electric voices to emerge from the resistance.

“About U” is available Feb. 3 on Apple Music.