Greatest Band in the World: MUNA at the Wonder Ballroom
Commanding a sold out crowd at the Wonder Ballroom, MUNA were out to prove what truly earns them the title of “greatest band in the world.” Words by Bren Swogger and photos by Emma Davis.
If anyone walking into the Wonder Ballroom last Saturday night wanted to know anything about the band playing, all they’d need to do is look at the shirts.
Sad soft pop songs for sissies, angry girls, emo queers and crybabies, said one shirt.
MUNA made me gay, said another.
Greatest band in the world, said a third.
Though the latter may seem like quite a statement, the pop trio of Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson were out to prove it completely factual.
Take into account the fact the venue was absolutely packed from front to back, sold out well in advance of its date. And take into account the diversity that stood within the Wonder’s walls—a queer community of thousands together to support a band that was equally as queer and unafraid as they were.
Already, it felt like a place where magic could happen, music bringing these people together in a space where they could feel heard and seen. But the deal was sealed when, right as the clock struck nine, MUNA took to the stage.
Within the first two songs—coming with powers full blast on “What I Want” and “Number One Fan”—the whole front of the room broke out into a full blown mosh pit, people jumping, screaming, singing, moving in a massive wave of bodies and pure joy.
The energy that surged through the room found its source on stage, as all three band members owned the space as theirs, giving every ounce of themselves to the performance.
MUNA are true rock stars. But what truly makes them the greatest band in the world is how well they can play the line between pure rock energy and the deepest depths of emotions.
Slowing things down on songs like “Pink Light” and “Loose Garment”, MUNA’s lyrical ability at capturing raw emotion—loss, sadness and longing—comes into the spotlight.
On “Pink Light”, lead singer Katie Gavin explores the loss of a relationship, the feeling of not being good enough, and the plaguing thoughts of what if?
Maybe if you stayed for an hour or two / When the sun came up, when I last saw you / Maybe if you’d seen the soft pink light / I wouldn’t be alone tonight.
On “Loose Garment,” she reflects on how she used to deal with her emotions, how sadness used to feel, and how she’s grown to live within it and accept it.
I used to wear my sadness like a choker / It had me by the throat / Tonight, I feel I’m draped in it like a loose garment / I just let it flow.
It’s this that truly earns MUNA their title. With pure joyous energy paired with lyrical gut punches and warm hugs, MUNA is truly for sissies, angry girls, emo queers and crybabies alike. MUNA is truly the greatest band in the world.
Bren Swogger (they/them) is the founder and editor of Indie/Alt Magazine. Bren started Indie/Alt as a music blog during their sophomore year of high school, and after a long hiatus, relaunched it as an online entertainment magazine in 2021 for their capstone project at Pacific University. After 10 years in the music journalism industry, Bren has a long-standing passion for live music, but also loves to explore their passion for other artistic outlets. You can find Bren writing voraciously, adding to their never-ending stack of TBRs, and marathoning classic horror films.
Emma Davis is a photographer for Indie/Alt Magazine and long-time best friend of editor/creator Bren Swogger. Emma and Bren have been collaborating within the music journalism industry for years, first with Vortex Music Magazine then with Indie/Alt. A graduate from University of Oregon, you can find her writing stories for the Happy Valley News, crying to Taylor Swift, or watching UNHhhh with her girlfriend.