“Hello, it’s nice to see you again, did you miss me?” For fans who have been waiting for the return of The Marías, their dreams have finally come true with: CINEMA. The 13-track debut album from Atlanta-native, María Zardoya and her accompanying bandmates, has shaken the music world in more ways than one. With the release of “All I Really Want Is You” in time for Valentine’s Day, supporters of The Marias are getting a true treat this month.
With a veiled arch and matching stage props, The Marías’ Atlanta show starts off with a BANG. The show opens with “Just A Feeling,” the same opener for their album. Josh Conway (drums), Jesse Perlman (guitar), and Edward James (keys), welcome the crowd with their presence as Zardoya herself takes the stage. Following the amazing entrance, which was accompanied by red cinema lights, The Marías begin with “Calling U Back,” the second track on their debut album. With Perlman on the hook, the crowd goes wild to hear an all-star track performed live.
The show continues to weave like a seamless lullaby. But, not one that puts you to sleep, no. One that soothes and comforts you. With songs like, “Ruthless,” “Clueless,” and “Un Millón,” patrons of the Buckhead Theater were getting more than anticipated. Zardoya, surprised by the amount of Latinx attendees, starts to sing the fifth track off their album: “Little by Little.” It’s not long before the audience is singing with the band at the top of their lungs as the chorus rings through the theater.
As this legendary performance dwindles, The Marías thank the crowd and head off stage. “Encore, encore, encore!” is repeatedly chanted in the darkness of the venue. Camera flashlights turn on and the crowd’s faces illuminate, displaying different expression of joy and gratification. When suddenly, red lights begin to flicker in the corners of the stage. “Hush” echoes as the audience yells at an imperceptible volume. As the frequency of the lights increase, The Marías take their places on stage for an outstanding encore. With an opening line, “Don’t act so special,” the audience is in full swing singing along to “Hush,” the second track from their album.
“Thank you all so much for coming, I promise this is our last song,” Zardoya says to the crowd. Not deterred by the ending of the concert, the crowd roars for their last song: “Cariño.” Off of their 2018 EP, Superclean Vol. II, this Spanish track is about more than just love and adoration. Like a love letter to the band, the audience at the theater sings along like never before. “Something about you babe,” rings out as the final notes of the Atlanta show play one last time.
If you can’t get enough of The Marías or looking to stay current on tour updates, you can find them on Instagram and Twitter (@theMarias). Be sure to take a look at their social media for information on new music, merch, and more!
Words by Kaylee Pickens
Photos by Chandler Bunzol