MUNA, Dancing On The Wall → Song Review

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Queer indie-pop band MUNA delivers an irresistible, dance-worthy single with “Dancing On The Wall,” the promo single from their fourth LP of the same name.

“Bought your favorite ice cream (Oh-oh), left it in the backseat (Oh-oh) / Just another sweet thing you let go bad.” Uh-oh! That doesn’t sound sweet at all, MUNA (Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson). In fact, it sounds pretty shitty! “Dancing On The Wall” is the promo single and second track from the queer indie-pop band’s fourth studio album of the same name. Gavin, Maskin, and McPherson penned this dancing single.  McPherson produced it with marvelous results!

“Dancing On The Wall” commences with tension thanks to the agitated strings.  Soon enough, the song settles into an irresistible, danceable groove.  Katie Gavin shines with her lovely lead vocals. The verses feature incredibly tuneful melodies and memorable lyrics. “I should’ve told you not to waste my time,” she sings, but of course, foolishly, she adds, “I would wait forever as long as I’m waiting for you.” Additionally, the background vocal riffs are a colorful, thoughtful musical touch. The chorus is the crème de la crème – it’s sugary sweet to the nth degree.  Well, maybe not-so-sweet, actually…

“You’re the wall that I keep banging my head against

I’m always saying, ‘This time, I’ll get through.’

I end up with a bruise as a consequence

I know how to hurt myself on you…”

I adore the falsetto vocals during the post-chorus, which reinforce the chorus’s lyrics (“I’m dancing on the wall when I’m with you (When I’m with you, I’m on the wall”).  There is a great contrast during the bridge section.  The contrast is not only melodic but also in the groove. “I’m dancing on the wall and I see / Lovers dancing in the light,” Gavin sings, and continues, “Shadows dance across my eyes / Watching as the second hand / Turns and turns around again.” The song’s ending returns to the familiar with the chorus and post-chorus. All in all, MUNA brings the heat on “Dancing On The Wall”.  There is no way you listen to this fun (the music and sound, not the situation itself) indie-pop bop and don’t move your body! 

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