The Marias - Cinema (Album Review)

When I first heard the Marias, it was like stumbling upon a secret door to a Speakeasy. A sultry sound guiding me down a dim staircase to a club where an Aurdrey Hepburn lookalike sits at the bar wearing sunglasses, cocktail in hand. Neon lights showering the room as we all collectively feel cool listening to the slow shimmery groove. First impressions go a long way, and that's what listening to the Marias did to me.

Their debut album "Cinema" finally comes in the mail. I put the record on and carefully place the needle to the edge of the vinyl. The first sound out of my speakers is a swell of strings engulfing the room. A romantic melody forms, gradually getting bigger and bigger with each measure, almost as if they're foreshadowing a theme for the listener. And after about a minute, there's a fierce lion roar and the track "Calling You Back" begins with a bang. This album kicks of strong with high production, sharp vocals, and retaining the cool vibe from their singles and EP's of before. However, the biggest departure from their past releases is the Hifi production on this record. Truthfully the Lofi sound did contribute a lot to the vibe of the Marias, that most early listeners have been accustomed to. But the vibe is not lost, much like an old vintage muscle car with a fresh paint job, it's the same classic car just with a new shiny exterior.

Thematically, Cinema explores the affection that one expresses toward a lover. Songs like "Little By Little" talk about the process of approaching a relationship with a slower pace rather than rushing in. And then the song "Fog As A Bullet" explores the darker side of pain and love. Maria Zardoya, the lead singer and songwriter, said that song was written upon the death of Kobe Bryant. Living in LA, she was there when it happened. On that morning she glances over to that very hillside, she stares at that otherworldly wall of fog, and mutters to herself "How could something so beautiful be so devastating?". An ode to romance in general.

It's a beautiful bedroom listen, full of love letters and call backs. Perfect to throw on when the sun goes down. A groovy soundtrack to a movie that the listener instantly wants to be in... wearing sunglasses and all.