LOS ANGELES, CA- Pulling into Hollywood Forever Cemetery for The Marias’ concert felt like stepping into a dreamscape perfectly tailored for the band’s otherworldly sound. This venue, with its historic headstones and whispering winds, was an inspired choice, enhancing the sensual and mystical vibes that permeate their latest album, *Submarine*. The tombstones, illuminated by soft lights, seemed to lean in, as if eager to catch every note.
Navigating through the narrow cemetery roads and parking my car, I joined a sea of fans, all making their pilgrimage to celebrate The Marias. The atmosphere was electric as we walked through the cemetery lawn, adorned with glamorous headstones. The merch booth, nestled at the back of the concert space, was already swarmed with fans eager to snag a piece of memorabilia. Spotting the long line, I mentally noted to strategize the best time to grab some vinyl, knowing that timing would be everything.
Kicking off the evening was Automatic, a band I’d seen earlier in the year at SXSW. Admittedly, my previous experiences with them were less than stellar, marred by technical difficulties that left me unimpressed. But tonight, opening for The Marias, they were a revelation. Their post-punk sound resonated perfectly with the setting sun, casting long shadows and painting the sky with hues of pink and orange. They delivered a flawless performance, and I found myself adding their music to my growing list of vinyl must-haves.
Automatic’s latest release, *Excess*, continues to explore the post-punk, synth-driven sound that initially put them on the map. With its pulsating beats and brooding bass lines, the album is a testament to the trio’s ability to blend the raw energy of punk with the moody atmosphere of new wave. Tracks like “Skyscraper” and “Teen Beat” showcase their talent for crafting infectious hooks wrapped in a cool, detached vocal delivery. There’s a hypnotic quality to their music, a sense that each track is building toward something—a climax that may never come but keeps you hanging on. Live, these songs take on a new life, their intensity magnified by the crowd’s energy. The performance at Hollywood Forever was a clear demonstration of how far Automatic has come, and how they’ve honed their craft to perfection.
By the time The Marias took the stage, the crowd had swelled, a sea of bodies moving as one. Those who had lounged on picnic blankets earlier in the day were now on their feet, vying for the best view. As the band members slowly emerged, the crowd erupted in fervent cheers. When lead singer Maria’s sultry voice whispered through the monitors, the collective shiver of excitement was palpable.
The setlist that evening mirrored that of the second night, with one exception: a haunting a cappella rendition of Tom Waits’ “Green Grass” during the encore, a nod to the evening’s minor technical hiccups. Including encores, The Marias treated us to 28 songs, a mix of full tracks and medleys. The crowd, a significant portion of which was Spanish-speaking, passionately sang along to the band’s bilingual repertoire, the Spanish lyrics creating a unique intimacy between artist and audience.
In a particularly memorable moment, I convinced some skeptical fans to stay until the end, revealing that their favorite, “Cariño,” was slated as the final encore. They stayed, and when the first chords of “Cariño” filled the air, their faces lit up, making the night even more magical.
The Marias’ set was a journey through their latest album, “Submarine*”, interspersed with fan favorites like “All I Really Want Is You,” “Heavy,” and “Over The Moon.” They surprised us with covers that felt like sonic treats—The Cardigans’ “Lovefool” and Bad Bunny’s “Otra Atardecer”—each delivered with their signature dreamy twist. “Submarine” is an exploration of the depths of emotion and sensuality, where each track feels like a dive into the unknown. Songs like “Bubblegum” and “Maybe” are layered with lush synths and Maria’s whisper-soft vocals, creating an immersive listening experience. There’s an ethereal quality to the album, a sense that it exists in a space between reality and fantasy. This latest work solidifies The Marias’ place in the indie pop scene, showcasing their ability to evolve while maintaining the dreamy, cinematic sound that their fans have come to love.
Midway through the set, Maria shared a candid moment with the audience, revealing that after the release of “Cinema”, she had doubted whether she wanted to continue making music. Her vulnerability was touching, and as she thanked the audience for reigniting her passion, it felt like a collective sigh of relief. Her honesty only deepened the connection with her fans, solidifying the bond between artist and audience.
As the night drew to a close and the last notes faded into the night, the echo of The Marias’ music lingered, weaving itself into the fabric of the cemetery. The Hollywood Forever Cemetery had been more than a venue; it was a canvas, and The Marias had painted it with sound, creating an evening that was both sensual and mystical, a fitting tribute to the haunting beauty of their music.
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