From jazz-infused psychedelics to synthetic underwater tones, The Marías have demonstrated, once again, their ability to gift listeners with iconic discographies.
Since the 2024 release of their second studio album, “Submarine,” the group has gained immense recognition for their lyricism and offers a sense of nostalgia to listeners. The Marías have managed to grasp a deeper understanding of being vulnerable with oneself and the surrounding masses, whilst remaining authentic through their music.
On April 4, The Marías launched two singles — “Back To Me” and “Nobody New,” following their latest album release. Both songs tap into the subjects of heartbreak and grief, accompanied by lead singer María Zardoya’s heart-rending vocals.
The Los Angeles-based band has been producing original material since 2017 with their first EP, “Superclean Vol.1,” which marked their introduction of hypnotics to the alternative music scene. Soul-melting guitar riffs and dreamlike symphonies became some of the group’s trademarks, along with the relationship that took place between María Zardoya and drummer Josh Conway. The two had been pursuing a romantic relationship since the band was initially established until sometime after their performance at Coachella in 2022, the final stop of their “CINEMA” tour.
Conway had expressed in an interview with Alternative Press, “When you do so much together and you don’t have that breathing room, it’s like, ‘Who am I without María, or who’s María without Josh?’”
Over time, the two had become dependent on each other, losing their individual selves in the process.
At the time, The Marías had been on tour for their first studio album, “CINEMA,” whose cover pictures María Zardoya curled up beside a white swan, being engulfed by a red backdrop.
Prior to the break-up, the band had always remained true to their signature, classic red look. Their older songs discussed themes of endearment, sensuality and guarded sentiments. To listeners, The Marías was a safeguard for those in search of comfort through romantic ballads.
However, the relationship between Zardoya and Conway unintentionally cast a shadow over the group’s other two members, Jesse Perlman and Edward James.
The Marías held up this reputation until the break-up. The news, equally devastating to fans, left
many to wonder whether or not the band would continue producing music together. To this, the band responded with their second studio album, “Submarine,” introducing a subtle and mature level of musicality from The Marías.
Soon, it grew apparent that rather than allowing the separation to create a barrier between members, all four individuals grew closer as a family, highlighting their remaining two bandmates and preserving their relationship as a band.
The album’s aesthetic was a noticeable departure from their usual mood and color scheme; the album cover and songs themselves represent a contrast to the band’s past history. To The Marías, the color blue portrayed their experience through transformation, hope and self-discovery.
A majority of the new tracks explore emotions of intimacy and isolation, a clear look into Zardoya and Conway’s healing process. With jazz, Latin and indie influences, “Submarine” offers a submersive experience through velvet-smoke harmonies. “Back To Me” and “Nobody New,” provide additional euphoric listening, allowing one to be fully entranced into the band’s realm.
The Marías announced the extension of their Submarine tour on April 10, with openers Julie and Momma in selected locations.
