Just a couple of years ago, MUNA became the biggest sad girl pop breakout since Phoebe Bridgers with their self-titled album (QRO review) on Pharbz’ own Saddest Factory imprint. Now, MUNA frontwoman Katie Gavin has made her own solo debut, bringing in intimate country/folk to her sadness.
Decidedly a sad & intimate record, Gavin details the heartbreaks of being a woman these days. Yes, there are love & loss songs from opener “I Want It All” to the moving on “Keep Walking”, but also about being the difficult one in a relationship with “Inconsolable”. The restrained country/folk does make the songs run together a bit, but then there’s a standout such as the mothers & daughters of “The Baton”.
When the frontwoman of a successful act does a solo record, there is always the question as to why. However, Kate Gavin makes her own What a Relief special in its mix of her band’s sorrow and country gal harmonies.
