At: "Submarine" by The Marias
For the friend who loves the single, whom I promised more song recommendations from the Marias, and those who voted for this review (it was literally unanimous). Brief, but loving.
I had been afraid of reviewing this album. The Marias have always been good, we all know that. Without listening to any of their previous records in full, and only consuming their singles throughout the years, I was terrified. What if this is the first record I review that I do not actually like? The singles were good, but what if I didn’t love it? Will I get crucified?
but, I actually really fucking like it.
WHY I LIKE IT
It is so angelic, it can turn haunting. However, it stays approachable and decisive in its themes and sounds. The instrumentals feel very intentional and well-thought-out, while the vocals are clear and confident. The tempo can change but somehow it always floats, matching the submarine atmosphere perfectly. There is one aspect that I love more than all the others, and it has to be the lyrics. Lyrically, it is very honest, engaging, relatable, and realistic. It is a really solid album that I can see myself coming back to multiple times.
TOP THREE
It only took the intro to “Blur” for me to know it would be in my top three. The opening verse, wonky guitars, soft vocals, echos, and the saxophone that comes in softly after the chorus… it is simply flawless. The playfulness of the second half of the song with the changing instrumental cues and balancing of silences and volume is further proof of how stunning this track is. It might be my favorite, but not the best indicator of what the album sounds like. Not only is it instrumentally stunning, but the lyrics? “If I talk it’s like medicine / Then it turns into evidence” only to change to “If I say I’m not eloquent / It’s only cuz I choose to forget”? And then “I guess I’d bet if I see you again / I guess I’d get excited” for it to blend into my favorite part of the song? Insanity.
“Love You Anyway” is a scary title to read if you listen to the album in order. I am begging her to run away from that relationship. And she does! “Oh my god what a waste of breath / Wanna live with me and replace the rest.” Lyrically, it is honest and to the point. Melodically, it is engaging and catchy. Sonically, it is super heavenly and almost jazzy at times, which is stunning. It floats, it carries you through it all, and it makes you fall in love with it. It might be one of my favorites as well, but it could be reminding me of another artist I like… The instrumentals are stunning though, and it does not take away from the artistry of the Marias as a band. I appreciate having an instrumental-heavy closing section with a cool bassline fading out. It is a nice touch.
“Ay No Puedo” comes back to the Spanish sound that I appreciate so much. You can already tell when the guitars come in that the sound will change. Lyrically, it is insane though. “Te fuiste sin decir adios / Por favor / Vuelve con mi corazon” is a little too crazy to open the song with, as it is too good. The strings will float, even as they sound so grounded. The drums end up blending too well with the guitar. Making this song must have been a workshop on blending and rhythm, it just floats! Not only that, but the lyrics are breathtaking, and I am afraid I won’t be able to do them justice if I attempt to translate them.
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SWAY
“Hamptons” is very cool rhythmically and is engaging, while maintaining a floating atmosphere to it. “God I learned my lesson / Falling for a man in tears / Cuz he only keeps me up / And he always calls my bluff” being a closing verse to a theme of being “a little bit in love” is a little too relatable, and it fits the energy flawlessly. It is more dance-y than other tracks in the album through the deeper drums and the synths. It is engaging and fun, which contrasts the lyrical theme in an unexpected way.
“Lejos de Ti” is about thinking of someone but being far away from each other. She remembers their memories and wants to be equally remembered even though they are far away. The bridge is stunning lyrically (check the EXTRA) and might be my favorite part of the song. Sonically, it is much more angelic than pop, and more yearning than other tracks on the record. It starts a little slower than the average track, but it is very easy to listen to and understand without even needing the lyrics. It is so emotional, it just drips everywhere.
Honorable mention that almost made it to my top three. “No One Noticed” is the epitome of evangelism in the album. The back-and-forth vocals only add layers to the lyricism and keep it vulnerable while giving more insight into the conflicting feelings of a back-and-forth relationship. The chorus is the type of part that could get stuck in my head all day, and the guitar solo only amplifies the sexiness of the song. “Hold me, console me, and then I’ll leave without a trace” after flying to see them can only showcase the conflict in the song, but also thematically in the entire album. Really great track. I wish it fit in my top three.
“Vicious Sensitive Robot” feels darker than the others. It is quieter, more layered, cooler, and engaging. Its lyrics are more forward and simple, in a way that highlights the instrumentals much more. It is short. It is good.
The closing track “Sienna” comes back full circle to the sound that we got familiar with throughout the record. It will carry the lyrical themes of its predecessor track, but fall back into the indie-catchiness that the Marias are known for. “I live under your eyelids / I’ll always be yours” in the opening section tells us exactly what we will get for the rest of the song, but unexpectedly the closing verse ends up with “See her face in the forest / Then it disappears.”
The song ends. But I am confused. Did they talk about children? I don’t know. So, I go to Genius. It is not a personal song. It is actually really clever. And it fits the theme of the album perfectly. So, now I get it. I like it.
FOR THE POP LOVERS
Honorable mention to “Echo.” It is one of the few songs I had already saved on my phone. It is groovy, funky, fun, and pop. I appreciate the contrast of a fun beat over sad lyrics and this song makes it work very well. What makes it groovy are the strings mixed in with the synth drums, otherwise the vocals make it sound more pop than funky. The bridge might be my favorite part of the song with the "I should’ve turned back, but I wasted it all for nothing / For a light that’ll never last” just to end up back on the chorus calling herself “overdramatic.” She really is just like me. Might be one of my top five. Or top six. I have lost count at this point.
“Run Your Mouth” is another single I had already heard and one of the most pop moments in the record. “I can’t believe / that you only hold me when I’m on my knees.” This is a breakup record with fun synths and pop guitar solos with angelic vocals. Particularly, I appreciate how she calls out men for talking too much. They do, and the element of not being able to fully get away because of how much they talk is too personal, making it even better. It is danceable and some groovy elements remain.
“Real Life” falls back in the angelic range. Slows down the tempo with sexier strings and keys. Maybe less pop, more in the modern indie area, but lacking the heavier instrumentals of indie. It is consistently floating with the sad lyricism theme of the album. “We tried but I’m walking away / From you, something I gotta do.” Even though she would want to see them, she knew seeing each other would only lead to another goodbye. Once again, the strings are sexy.
“Paranoia” will lean back into an angelic pop with layered vocals. “Your paranoia is annoying / Now all I wanna do is run” is a fun concept, as communication can make or break a relationship, but somehow the constant reassurance is actually damaging their relationship, and the guilt of not being able to alleviate these concerns turns exhausting, making her wanting to run away. The concept is super cool, and it is contrasted by the fun, pop sound of the track.
FOR THE “NOT LIKE THE OTHER TRACKS” TRACKS
“Ride” is a good but confusing opener, as the bass line and synths can be a little misleading on what is delivered for the rest of the record. It is a great opener, I love the muffled vocals with the catchy bassline. Really cool. Just as a heads-up, the album does not sound like that at all. It is such a vibe, I wish it was longer and a full song.
“If Only” turns to a softer, piano sound, and somehow remains darker than the rest of the album. Rather than angelic, it feels haunting. The saxophone from a couple of tracks back makes a comeback. It feels nostalgic, lonely, introspective, and secluded. The lyrics are simple, sad, and regretful. “You’re in my dreams.”
WHO IS THE ALBUM FOR
I hate comparisons. I have been avoiding mentioning other artists in this section of the review since it does not add much to describing music, much less an artist. There were moments I would be transported to other artists in the indie field where the Marias exist, but even then it does not do justice to the sound in this record. It could be that the vocals are too distinct, but they also have a style that makes them stand out from the crowd. It is indie. If you like indie/dance with some pop singles, but stunning album tracks, this is the album for you. If you imagine the Marias in a submarine, then you get this record. And that is me simplifying it as much as I can. If you do not know the artist, then imagine a chill, psychedelic party by the ocean. Just really easy to listen to, fun, and introspective.
IS IT A GROWER
If you’re a loser with no vibes, then yes. Maybe give it a second listen as a vibe check.
EXTRA
As I mentioned the stunning bridge of “Lejos de Ti,” here it is:
“Porque te sigo queriendo? Ya no puedo mas. Entre tus manos me estoy muriendo
Porque yo sigo cantando “No me queda mas” entre mis labios a todo llanto?
Dormia en tu pecho, Siempre me acuerdo de ti”
“Why do I still love you? I can’t do this anymore. Between your hands, I am dying.
Why do I still sing “No me queda mas” between my lips, full-on crying?
Sleeping on your chest, I always remember you.”
Wild. Sad. Too Good.
I would recommend checking out the Spanish lyrics in “Lejos de Ti” and “Ay No Puedo.” Those are stunning songs.
Also,
Fun Fact: they have a song with Bad Bunny from 2022. She sang it by herself, and it was so much better.