Dancing on the Wall

Dancing on the Wall
Studio album by
Muna
ReleasedMay 8, 2026 (2026-05-08)
GenrePop
Length39:50
Labels
ProducerNaomi McPherson
Muna chronology
Muna
(2022)		 Dancing on the Wall
(2026)
Singles from Dancing on the Wall
  1. "Dancing on the Wall"
    Released: February 10, 2026
  2. "So What"
    Released: March 17, 2026
  3. "Wannabeher"
    Released: April 14, 2026

Dancing on the Wall is the fourth studio album by the American indie pop band Muna. It followed their commercial breakthrough album Muna, and was supported by three singles - the title track, "So What", and "Wannabeher".

The album was released on May 8, 2026, by Saddest Factory Records.

Background

Muna's previous album, Muna, was their best selling album to date, and their first album to chart on the Billboard 200, the UK Albums Chart, and other international charts, and its lead single, Silk Chiffon, saw success, and significantly raised the band's profile.[1]

Since its release, they also joined several high-profile acts on tour, including Lorde[2] and Taylor Swift[3].

In 2024, lead singer Katie Gavin released her debut solo album, What a Relief, in a more acoustic, folk pop direction compared to Muna's output.[4]

Writing and composition

The band were inspired by the political climate in the US under the second Trump administration in the writing of the album, citing M. Gessen's book Surviving Autocracy as an influence.[5] Maskin noted that while their previous albums had also featured political themes, Big Stick was the most overtly political song they'd released.[6]

Several publications noted the album as having a darker sonic palatte than the lighter pop sound of their self-titled record. The band described as a "dark, poppy, intense, sweaty. funky dance album" as opposed to being the "'queer joy mini-skirt rollerblade' band" of the previous record.[6] The album is also more consistently upbeat than previous albums, noted by McPherson as influenced by Gavin having released a solo record of folk music.[7]

Release and promotion

On February 4, 2026, Muna released video clips on Instagram promoting the new song "It Gets So Hot"[8], which was released via the band's website five days later on February 9.

They then announced on Instagram that same day that "Dancing On The Wall" would be released on February 10[9]. Along with the release of the latter single, they announced their fourth album, of the same name, was to be released on May 8.[10] At the same time, a short tour of intimate album release shows in smaller venues were announced, for May.[11]

On March 17, they released the second official single from the album, "So What", with an accompanying music video.[12]

On March 31, they announced the song "Big Stick" would be available for purchase for 48 hours via Bandcamp, with proceeds going toward Pal Humanity.[13]

On April 14, Muna released the third single "Wannabeher".[14][15]

On May 8, concurrent with the release of the album, a video for "Eastside Girls" was released, and the band announced a tour behind the album, set for September - October 2026.[16]

Reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic73/100[17]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar[18]
Clash8/10[19]
DIYStarStarStarStar[20]
DorkStarStarStarStarStar[21]
Exclaim!6/10[22]
NME7/10[23]
PasteC+[24]
Pitchfork7.6/10[25]
Slant Magazine7/10[26]

The album was released upon "generally favorable reviews", according to review aggregator Metacritic from a weighted average score of 73 out of 100 from ten critic scores.[27]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson, with additional writers noted.

Dancing on the Wall track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."It Gets So Hot"Daniel Tashian2:41
2."Dancing on the Wall" 4:03
3."Eastside Girls" 3:50
4."Wannabeher"Leland2:34
5."On Call" 2:35
6."So What" 4:31
7."Party's Over" 0:19
8."Big Stick" 2:36
9."Mary Jane"Justin Tranter4:12
10."Girl's Girl"Tranter3:13
11."...Unless" 0:16
12."Why Do I Get a Good Feeling" 4:53
13."Buzzkiller" 4:07
Total length:39:50

Personnel

Credits are adapted from Tidal.[28]

Muna

  • Katie Gavin – arrangement, additional production (all tracks); vocals, background vocals (tracks 1–6, 8–10, 12, 13); vocal arrangement (2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13)
  • Josette Maskin – arrangement, additional production (all tracks); background vocals, additional engineering (1–6, 8–10, 12, 13); electric guitar (1–6, 8, 9), vocal arrangement (2, 3, 5, 8–10, 12, 13), acoustic guitar (3, 6), lead guitar (10, 12, 13)
  • Naomi McPherson – arrangement, production (all tracks); synthesizer programming (1–6, 8–11); background vocals, drum machine, programming, synth bass, synthesizer, engineering, vocal engineering (1–6, 8–10, 12, 13); keyboards (1, 5, 6, 8–10, 12), baritone guitar (2, 5, 8), vocal arrangement (2, 3, 5, 8–10, 12, 13), mixing (7, 11), rhythm guitar (10), piano (13)

Additional contributors

  • Joe LaPorta – mastering
  • Sarab Singh – drums, percussion (1–6, 8–10, 12, 13)
  • Dan Grech-Marguerat – programming, mixing (1–6, 8–10, 12, 13)
  • Geo Botelho – engineering (1–6, 8–10, 12, 13), fretless bass guitar (1), electric bass guitar (2–4)
  • Ivan Barry – engineering assistance (1–6, 8–10, 12, 13)
  • Luke Burgoyne – mixing assistance (1–6, 8–10, 12, 13)
  • Seb Maletka-Catala – mixing assistance (1–6, 8–10, 12, 13)
  • Daniel Tashian – synth bass, synthesizer programming (1, 5); keyboards, synthesizer (1)
  • Lou Roy – background vocals, vocal arrangement (2, 3, 5, 8–10, 12, 13)
  • Phoenix Rousiamanis – violin (11–13)

Charts

Chart performance for Dancing on the Wall
Chart (2026) Peak
position
French Rock & Metal Albums (SNEP)[29] 95
Irish Independent Albums (IRMA)[30] 19
Scottish Albums (Official Charts)[31]7
UK Albums (Official Charts)[32]64
UK Independent Albums (Official Charts)[33]7
US Billboard 200[34]160
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[35]23
US Top Rock & Alternative Albums (Billboard)[36] 42

References

  1. ↑ Mims, Taylor (May 8, 2026). "MUNA Discuss the 'Queer Power' Of New Album 'Dancing On the Wall': 'We're Trojan Horsing Sad Lesbian Music Into the Gay Club'". Billboard. Retrieved May 15, 2026.
  2. ↑ Robinson, Ellie (November 10, 2022). "MUNA to support Lorde on Australian 'Solar Power' tour dates". NME. Retrieved May 15, 2026.
  3. ↑ Willman, Chris (November 1, 2022). "Taylor Swift Announces 2023 'Eras Tour' of U.S. Stadiums". Variety. Retrieved May 15, 2026.
  4. ↑ What a Relief by Katie Gavin, retrieved May 15, 2026
  5. ↑ Russell, Ary (April 14, 2026). "Muna's Horniness Is Revolutionary". Interview Magazine. Retrieved May 15, 2026.
  6. 1 2 "Musicians MUNA on leaning into specificity – The Creative Independent". thecreativeindependent.com. Retrieved May 15, 2026.
  7. ↑ Mims, Taylor (May 8, 2026). "MUNA Discuss the 'Queer Power' Of New Album 'Dancing On the Wall': 'We're Trojan Horsing Sad Lesbian Music Into the Gay Club'". Billboard. Retrieved May 15, 2026.
  8. ↑ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
  9. ↑ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
  10. ↑ Corcoran, Nina (February 10, 2026). "Muna Announce First Album in Four Years, Share Song". Pitchfork. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
  11. ↑ Hatfield, Amanda. "MUNA announce new album 'Dancing on the Wall' & intimate shows, share title track". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved May 15, 2026.
  12. ↑ "MUNA share new track, "So What"". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
  13. ↑ Breihan, Tom. "MUNA Share New Song "Big Stick": Listen". Stereogum. Retrieved April 2, 2026.
  14. ↑ Vigil, Dom (April 14, 2026). "MUNA Release New Track, "Wannabeher"". Prelude Press.
  15. ↑ Carter, Daisy (April 15, 2026). "MUNA share pulsing new floor-filler 'Wannabeher'". DIY Magazine.
  16. ↑ Dunworth, Liberty (May 11, 2026). "MUNA share 'Eastside Girls' video and announce huge 2026 UK, European and North American tour". NME. Retrieved May 15, 2026.
  17. ↑ "Dancing On The Wall by MUNA Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic. Retrieved August 26, 2026.
  18. ↑ Donelson, Marcy. "MUNA: Dancing on the Wall Tracks & Reviews". AllMusic. Retrieved August 26, 2026. {{cite web}}: Text "AllMusic" ignored (help)
  19. ↑ Dosanjh, Zara (May 8, 2026). "MUNA – Dancing On The Wall". Clash. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  20. ↑ Tipple, Ben (May 8, 2026). "MUNA - Dancing On The Wall". DIY. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  21. ↑ Harrison, Dan (May 8, 2026). "MUNA - Dancing On The Wall". Dork. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  22. ↑ Kelly, Rachel (May 5, 2026). "MUNA's Resistance Is Futile with 'Dancing on the Wall'". Exclaim!. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  23. ↑ Hunt, El (May 5, 2026). "MUNA – 'Dancing On The Wall' review: euphoric pop bangers with a shadowy side". NME. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  24. ↑ Rosenberg, Sam (May 8, 2026). "MUNA go hard but stumble slightly while Dancing On The Wall". Paste. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  25. ↑ Lorusso, Marissa (May 11, 2026). "Dancing on the Wall". Pitchfork. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  26. ↑ Savio, Michael (May 4, 2026). "Muna 'Dancing on the Wall' Review: Big Feelings on the Dance Floor". Slant Magazine. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  27. ↑ Dancing On The Wall by MUNA, retrieved May 17, 2026
  28. ↑ "Dancing On The Wall / muna / Credits". Tidal. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
  29. ↑ "Top Rock & Metal Albums (Semaine du 15 mai 2026)" (in French). Syndicat national de l'édition phonographique. Retrieved May 18, 2026.
  30. ↑ "Irish Independent Chart – Week 20 2026 – Week Ending 22 May 2026". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved May 15, 2026. Note: Select 2026 on the year selector and 15-May-26 on the date selector.
  31. ↑ "Official Scottish Albums Chart on 15/5/2026 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  32. ↑ "Official Albums Chart on 15/5/2026 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  33. ↑ "Official Independent Albums Chart on 15/5/2026 – Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  34. ↑ "Muna Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  35. ↑ "Muna Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  36. ↑ "Muna Chart History: Top Rock & Alternative Albums". Billboard. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
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