On Repeat: 'I Like It' and 'Over The Moon' by The Maria's
Mickey Mcleod
If the Maria’s were slowly but surely blossoming into a legitimate must-see headliner act over the last year, then it’s safe to say that the process has reached maturation. After the releases of various singles, Superclean Vol.1 (November 2017) and Superclean Vol. 2 (September 2018) the L.A. based neo jazz/soul/pop fusion band got to work on the tour scene and in the process have amassed a very impressive cult following. Trust me, I’ve heard with my own ears fans literally screaming the lyrics back at the band which is something that you just don’t hear at a Vancouver mid level show very often. The project of drummer / producer Josh Conway and “Maria” (first name only like “Madonna”) is seemingly reaching full bloom and it’s a sultry, velvety rose coloured bloom, backed by chrome rhode chords, fat, sticky drums and just the right amount of neo noir, latina surf and perfect pop. Superclean Vol. 1 and 2 (both on the same pink coloured vinyl if you were smart enough to snag one at a show) are a masterclass in what modern fusion pop can be. They are crisp, well written and posses just the right amount of production bells and whistles to stay sonically interesting while maintaining forward motion. And of course the hallmark of any great tour band has always been, are they good live? Well, these guys are amazing live. Here’s our current favourite tunes off this release but we recommend that you stop and smell the roses with The Maria’s.