A plastic inflatable horse bobs amongst an enthusiastic crowd, riding a sweaty wave of queer ebullience. The horse’s name is Stacy, and she is the chaperone for a countrified pop anthem about nipping a relationship in the bud. It makes perfect sense that this is a MUNA show, at which there is no option but to go absolutely buck wild.
Leaving the lexical field of equestrianism to those who do it best, MUNA and their infectious yeehaw energy are more than welcomed upon London’s Roundhouse stage. Having made a name for themselves in the UK since the genesis of their career, MUNA are currently embarking on a sold-out UK tour for their third, self-titled album (to the delight of their dedicated fanbase). Although hailing from the States, it is clear that the UK has become a second home for the three piece’s staggering live performances. Despite the threat of tube strikes, old flames, and bleak British weather, fans still flocked to Camden, ready for some good ol’ catharsis.
Supporting MUNA was Drag Race UK runner-up, Bimini. Breathless and impossibly British, Bimini may have lost their ‘Bon-Boulash’ but they haven’t lost their style, rocking a structured Mugler piece and channelling an elevated version of that Julia Fox make-up look.
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Despite a particularly well-received pre-show playlist, smoke machines clouding the stage for the sexy synthy opener ‘What I Want’ brought relief to a fervid crowd. Ahead of their upcoming international support slots for Lorde and Taylor Swift, it appears the trio have ramped up their production value to new frontiers. A highlight of the set was ‘Runner’s High’, with a chorus funnelling meaty drums into murmurs of UK garage, visualised by palpitating strobe lights sequenced to perfection.
It’s clear MUNA aren’t here to fuck around.
Their stellar audio production is courtesy of band-member Naomi McPherson, who spent most of the set swapping instruments with stainless vocals and a cheeky grin. Although everything seemed polished and refined, the show was still chock-full of personality. Lead singer Katie Gavin’s poignant monologues transitioned into moments of giddy hilarity between herself and her bandmates. Lead guitarist Josette Maskin became more animated with each song and egged on the crowd with the playfulness of a teenager winding up the family dog.
Witnessing the organic connection between each band member felt as if they were still the self-described “three queers in a college dorm” making music, at peace with playing their biggest UK show to date.
MUNA honoured their roots with nods to beloved debut ‘about u’, including fan favourites ‘Everything’ and ‘I Know A Place’. OG fans will sorely miss ‘Winterbreak’ for all its piercing emotion, but it’s a fair trade to witness the pure joy of Gavin prancing to ‘Pink Light’, and a cover of The Killers’ iconic ‘Mr Brightside’. Their set finished with Phoebe Bridgers collab ‘Silk Chiffon’ that saw McPherson crooning Bridgers’ verse in her absence.
And, just like that, the whirlwind performance was over. The stage was left littered with gratitude and cowboy hats frisbeed from dedicated fans. Post-concert blues may have hit almost immediately, but inhabitants of the MUNAverse can be sure to catch MUNA on the next rocket to superstardom.
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Words: Gem Stokes
