The American indie pop band from Los Angeles, The Marías, are known performing their songs in both English and Spanish. With the inclusion of elements like jazz percussion, horn solos and guitar riffs, The Marías are changing the modern-day music industry. With the band consisting of lead vocalist, María Zardoya, Josh Conway on the drums, guitarist Jesse Perlman and keyboardist Edward James, The Marías has created quite a large discography from their two albums and two extended plays since the band formed in 2016.
Of course, you should listen to their discography in full; however, to kick start your listening journey, I will be recommending three crucial tracks that embody The Marías.
“Heavy” – “Heavy” is one of the many hits off, The Marías’s first album “CINEMA” that focuses on the central theme of inner struggle, isolation and a longing for escape. Each verse embodies the gloomy thoughts that play like a broken record in one’s mind as they struggle in their personal mental journey that leads to the self-doubt distinguished within the chorus. The four-minute track is characterized by a gentle, down-strumming rhythm, the minimalist sound pairs perfectly with the blend of English and Spanish lyrics.
“Hamptons” – The Marías continue to explore disillusioned emotion; however, their track “Hamptons” revolves on the themes of unrequited love and the disillusionment of a relationship. Coming off their second album, “Submarine,” this track uses The Hamptons, the luxurious New York area, as a metaphor to the idealized “honeymoon phase” within a romantic relationship. On the surface, “Hamptons” is known for its danceable reggaeton-inspired rhythm and electronic beat, yet the beat is contrasted by the heart-breaking lyrics focused on a lover finally grasping they are a part of a one-sided, loveless relationship.
“Paranoia” – “Paranoia” is a hidden gem, once again, off The Marías second album, “Submarine.” Continuing with the theme of disenchanted love, “Paranoia” sheds light on the feelings of being overwhelmed and suffocated by a partner’s mistrust and insecurities within their relationship. Through the point of view of the distrusted partner, “Paranoia” highlights the heartbreak of never being enough for their anxious partner after continual reassurance. Circling back to the reoccurring question “Why do you think I have another? When you have always been the one,” the track portrays the beginning of a once requited love slowly regressing into an unrequited state.
The Marías depict all the ranging versions of love and the emotions produced like no other. The band continues to do throughout their two most recent singles “Back to me” and “Nobody New” which was released last April. Lead singer, María Zardoya furthermore explores love in her most recent solo album “Melt” from Oct. 10, which was released under the name “Not for Radio”.
