MUNA at the Hammerstein Ballroom

Katie Gavin and
Naomi McPherson (background)

Vocalist Katie Gavin and guitarists Josette Maskin and Naomi McPherson all had backgrounds in music when they met while attending university in Los Angeles, California. They discovered their musical chemistry at a party, when Maskin and McPherson started jamming on guitars; Gavin arrived later that night and added vocals. They committed to writing and recording in their bedrooms. Upon deciding on a band name, they exercised word associations and combined the words "luna" and "moon" to create MUNA. A remix of the band's 2016 Loudspeaker EP will be released on November 15, 2016, and a debut album, About U, is scheduled to become available on February 3, 2017.

Opening for Grouplove tonight at the Hammerstein Ballroom, MUNA expanded its arrangements by adding a rhythm section and utilizing electronic pre-programming. Tough lyrics contrasted easy melodies for a brooding pop. The songs were largely emo-rooted, but provided room for optimism and feel-good rhythms. Gavin, Maskin and McPherson toyed with punchy pop hooks, injecting into them both bounce and flag-waving fervor. Additional sharp kicks and plush flourishes made for a sound that was designed for listening and for swaying. MUNA is ripe for commercial radio play.

Visit MUNA at www.whereismuna.com.