The Marías Mourning
Graphic by Maddie Cohen
by delaney Roberts
The only way to move on from a past love is to acknowledge the loss and sit with the uncomfortable emotions that come with it. María Zardoya, the angelic vocalist of The Marías, expresses this deep layer of emotion in the band’s two latest singles, “Back to Me” and “Nobody New.” The two songs echo the pop, trip-hop, and heavier electronic essence of their sophomore album, Submarine, while introducing new synth sounds and chord elements.
“Back to Me” feels like the musical equivalent to the notorious boombox scene from Say Anything as Zardoya sings candidly about wanting her former partner back. Her longing can be felt as she sings, “I just built us a house / Down across the sea / Just to tell you I'm sorry / Baby, come back to me.” She knows this person won’t return to her, which may be for the best, but she’s still willing to fight tooth and nail for their warmth and affection. Some may see this vulnerability as a weakness, but it’s the opposite. The Marías’ ability to craft songs around the complexities of regret, sorrow, and emotional exposure grounds their music in something authentic and resonant. The electronic synth and percussion create a cadence that amplifies Zardoya’s silky voice. The song's not-so-subtle lyrics hide nothing in between the lines.
The Marías have never shied away from emotional honesty, and “Nobody New” is no exception. Breakups can feel like the end of the world—in some ways, they are. It’s the end of a world two people built together. This track captures that quiet devastation, layering lyrics that cut deep over a smooth, lush beat. In the chorus, Zardoya softly sings, “Baby, I promise / There’s nobody new.” The aching timbre of her voice suggests hope, even desperation, that her former partner might reciprocate that same emptiness without her, even if they have moved on. The lyrics don’t beg, but her voice almost does, revealing how complicated it is to let go of someone who once felt like home. The airy, velvety song carries heavy, raw lyrics.
Drawing inspiration from Krzysztof Kieślowski’s Three Colors film trilogy (Red, Blue, and White), The Marías usher in a new era with these latest songs. Cinema, their debut album, radiates with a vibrant, alert red — bold and attention-grabbing — while Submarine sinks into the cool, introspective depths of blue. Now, with “Back to Me” and “Nobody New,” fans are offered a glimpse into the upcoming white chapter. Though this new era may be visually stripped of color, the richness of its sound speaks for itself. If these singles are any indication, the third act of the trilogy is set to be just as immersive. All that’s left to do is brace ourselves for what’s next.