After years of championing the queer hyper-pop group MUNA, Katie Gavin goes her own way in her new debut album, What A Relief, released on October 25th. As queer female artists find their way into the mainstream, Gavin finds her place among them as a worthy addition.
Straying away from the synth-infused pop hits of MUNA, Gavin enters territory that feels more intimate and exploratory. Many of the acoustic guitar driven melodies paired with Gavin’s smooth vocals feel straight out of the Lilith Fair era. As she hops across genres, exploring pop, folk, and country, the overall tone remains reminiscent of 90s icons including Indigo Girls, Alanis Morissette, Tracy Chapman, and the like. Still, as her influences remain clear on each track, Gavin still manages to infuse the album with her own unique twists.
The album opens with the soft but candid “I Want It All,” flaunting haunting vocals and gentle instrumentation. This carries us easily into the first single, and perhaps one of the catchiest tracks, “Aftertaste.” Gavin’s country twang lends itself to easy rhymes and a jangly melody as she explores lingering heartbreak. “You’re the only reason I came here / You’re the only reason it’s so clear to me now / Give me another taste,” she sings, as if begging for a second chance with a lost love.
“The Baton” sees Gavin take her first dive into familial themes and parental anxiety. She sings to a future daughter alongside a bright fiddle melody—both themes that are later found in “Inconsolable,” where fiddle turns to haunting violin. The second single on the album, and another catchy hit, is “Casual Drug Use.” Gavin’s Americana twang comes back in full force as she sings about the comfort of friendship through the struggles of addiction.
Another highlight comes with the first and only feature on the album. Gavin is joined by Mitski on “As Good As It Gets,” and their voices complement each other well in lilting harmonies. “I want you to disappoint me,” sings Mitski as the two resign to live with the inherent shortcomings of their relationships. “Sanitized” provides a welcome pivot, favoring looping, percussive instrumentation over the acoustic sound we have grown used to. Rhythmic bells and striking minor chords make for a hypnotic, Fiona Apple-esque product.
“Sweet Abby Girl” features contributions from fellow MUNA bandmates Josette Maskin and Naomi McPherson and in many ways feels like a tribute to their years together. The album closes with “Today,” which feels both final and distinctly hopeful. “And I’ll find my way / ‘Cause I was given today,” sings Gavin as both the song and album come to a close.
What A Relief proves Katie Gavin’s worth as a solo artist through its deeply introspective lyricism and genre-hopping qualities. It carries a certain timeless quality that promises a bright future for both Gavin and the state of indie music today.