Today June 5th, Munsha, the artistic persona of Berlin-based musician Daniela Lunelli, released her tenth studio album, THE FALL OF THE ASTRONAUTS. Hailing from southern Italy, Munsha brings a rich and varied musical heritage to her work, shaped by her classical training and immersion in the punk and DIY scenes. Proficient in cello, electric bass, and extended vocal techniques, she has navigated an impressive range of genres, from baroque to electro-industrial. Since establishing herself in Berlin, Munsha has honed a distinctive, transcultural sound that defies categorization, reflecting her multifaceted background.
THE FALL OF THE ASTRONAUTS serves as the sonic backbone to Munsha’s music theatre production, Alices Geschwister, a daring reimagining of Alice in Wonderland set within the confines of a mental institution. The album confronts the complex and often unsettling theme of compulsory psychiatric treatment, weaving a narrative that probes the boundaries of human experience and individuality. Spanning fourteen tracks, it showcases an eclectic blend of musical styles, from haunting, noise-infused cello passages to sweeping orchestral arrangements that marry classical sophistication with contemporary edge.
An impeccable visual accompanies this release with the EKT Music Video, which manages to deliver a stellar effort when conveying the feel and direction of the soundtrack.
Watch here:
The album draws inspiration from a diverse array of influences, including the synth-driven textures of Goldfrapp, the minimalist elegance of Ryūichi Sakamoto, and the theatrical eccentricity of Klaus Nomi. This fusion creates a cinematic atmosphere, evocative of the surreal and disquieting worlds crafted by filmmaker David Lynch. Through this sonic tapestry, Munsha captures the emotional and psychological intricacies at the heart of her project, offering listeners a profound and immersive experience.
With THE FALL OF THE ASTRONAUTS, Munsha reaffirms her status as an innovative force in contemporary music. The album stands as a testament to her versatility and vision, channeling her eclectic influences into a work that is both introspective and socially resonant. By tackling challenging themes through a bold and genre-defying lens, Munsha not only pushes the limits of her craft but also invites audiences to engage with the deeper questions her art provokes. This release marks a significant chapter in her career, solidifying her reputation as a fearless and original voice in the global music landscape.
TRACKLIST:
1. A new home
2. Voyage
3. Lacis’s theme
4. Bourdons des Charmeurs
(Carroll’s Whisper)
5: The daze – Lead Single
6. EKT (The Fight)
7. The Bogeyman
8. The labyrinth of the Astronauts
9. Suzes Flamme
10. Alice’s theme
11. Der Garten
12. Side effects
13. Patient 7461 (A New Home – Reprise)
14. Rosa Kaninche
Stream THE FALL OF THE ASTRONAUTS:
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