
The album marks Muna’s first full‑length in four years, re‑energizing the indie‑pop market and reinforcing queer representation in mainstream music. Its thematic focus on emotional risk could influence upcoming artists to explore vulnerability within dance music.
Muna’s return with *Dancing on the Wall* arrives at a moment when indie‑pop is experiencing a resurgence on streaming platforms, driven by listeners craving both danceable beats and lyrical depth. By partnering with Saddest Factory and Secretly Group—labels known for nurturing genre‑bending acts—the trio secures distribution channels that prioritize curated playlists and targeted marketing, amplifying their reach beyond niche queer circles into broader pop audiences. This strategic alignment reflects a growing industry trend where independent artists leverage boutique label expertise to compete with major‑label releases.
The album’s thematic core—emotional risk and collective release—mirrors a cultural shift toward openness about mental health and queer identity in popular music. Songs like the title track blend euphoric synths with introspective lyricism, offering listeners a cathartic space that feels both personal and communal. Critics have noted that such duality resonates with younger demographics who value authenticity alongside high‑energy production, positioning Muna as a bellwether for future pop acts that aim to balance vulnerability with club‑ready soundscapes.
From a business perspective, *Dancing on the Wall* is poised to generate multiple revenue streams: traditional album sales, sync licensing opportunities, and extensive touring prospects as live festivals rebound post‑pandemic. The 13‑track lineup provides ample material for single releases, each capable of sustaining streaming momentum across platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Moreover, Muna’s established queer‑pop brand offers brands and advertisers a compelling partnership narrative, potentially unlocking sponsorships that align with inclusive marketing initiatives. Overall, the album not only expands Muna’s artistic catalog but also reinforces the commercial viability of emotionally resonant, dance‑floor‑centric indie pop.
By Nina Corcoran · February 10, 2026
![Muna – photo by Dean Bradshaw]
Muna are back with their first new album in four years. Dancing on the Wall, the indie‑pop trio’s fourth studio LP, is out May 8 via Saddest Factory/Secretly Group. Muna are all in on the album’s theme—emotional risk and the power of collective release—as caught in their anthemic music video for lead single “Dancing on the Wall,” which you can watch below.
In a statement about the title track, Muna called it “possibly our favorite song” they’ve made as a band. “We think it’s all the best parts of MUNA – it’s coming from a really emotional and lonely place, but the song itself makes us feel powerful and euphoric,” they wrote. “It’s written in the moment that the clock strikes midnight at the ball, and you have to give up the fantasy. In this case, it’s the fantasy of loving someone or something that can’t love you back.”
Dancing on the Wall was produced by Naomi McPherson and follows Muna’s self‑titled album from 2022. The record is described in a press release as balancing opposing ideas—propulsion and introspection, euphoria and unease—while ultimately “inviting listeners onto the dancefloor while keeping its inner world deliberately unresolved.”
Revisit the interview The Radical Joy of MUNA’s Queer Pop.
Tracklist – Dancing on the Wall
It Gets So Hot
Dancing On The Wall
Eastside Girls
Wannabeher
On Call
So What
Party’s Over
Big Stick
Mary Jane
Girl’s Girl
…Unless
Why Do I Get A Good Feeling
Buzzkiller
About the author
Nina Corcoran joined Pitchfork as an Associate Staff Writer in 2021 after contributing to the website since 2015. She’s written for Rolling Stone, Wired, NPR, Stereogum, and elsewhere, and was previously the music editor of alt‑weekly newspaper DigBoston. She’s based in Chicago.
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