Dark Yet Happy: The Music of MUNA

MUNA

MUNA are relatively newcomers to the pop music, darlings to Los Angeles' LGBTQ scene.  Their first release in this year's "The Loudspeaker EP".  They describe themselves as dark pop, or, as their website states, "Their music the blending sensuality of R&B, rhythms of pop and rock, and audacity of synthpop with raw, unbridled lyricism."

This was another suggestion to me by my ,music guru, Nikki.  The EP is short, having only four songs, but the whole thing has a nice, poppy groove.  "The Loudspeaker" is the first song featuring a chattering guitar riff, simmering synth beats, and lead vocalist Katie Gavin singing motivational lyrics.  It is pretty upbeat.  In fact, I am trying to figure out why they describe themselves as "dark pop", because there is really nothing dark about it.  "So Special" is a bit more somber with some really nice, layered vocal arrangements.  It kind of reminds me of Imgoen Heap, one of my favorite artists.  In fact, all of this music is kind of reminiscent of Imogen Heap.  "Winterbreak" combines scintillating harmonies with icicle chimes.  And "Promise" finishes out the set with a rousing plea to an unknown lover.

This EP is a nice little introduction to MUNA.  It will certainly never be my favorite, but it is a pleasant listen, a pure venture in pop escapism.  I think it will take a full album to really get a feel for these guys.