Indie Dream-Pop Phenomenon “The Marias” Deliver A Journey Through Sound and Emotion to the Ecstatic Masses of Miami – Photos and Review of the “The Marias” Concert at the Fillmore Miami in Miami Beach, FL

The Fillmore in Miami Beach was the place to be last night as indie-pop sensation The Marías took the stage, captivating an eager audience with their dreamy melodies and eclectic style. The anticipation in the air was palpable as the crowd began to fill the seats for the first of two sold out shows, the band’s first in Miami. Opening up for The Marías was another up and coming indie trio Automatic (not to be confused with the Welsh band of the same name), who delivered a killer appetizer for the incredible main course The Marías were set to deliver.

The evening kicked off with a stellar performance by Automatic, the Los Angeles-based retro indie trio known for their unique blend of driving bass, synth-heavy soundscapes and minimalist aesthetics.The band (consisting of Izzy Glaudini on vocals and synths, Lola Dompé on drums, and Halle Saxon on bass and vocals) set the perfect tone for the night with their tight rhythms and moody beats. Their setlist included standout tracks like “Calling It” and “New Beginning“, which had the crowd swaying and nodding in appreciation. Automatic’s performance was a fitting prelude, building the excitement for the main act.

As the lights dimmed and the stage transformed into a mesmerizing landscape of hues and patterns, a silhouette of María appeared in the middle of the stage as the rest of The Marías emerged and broke into their first track “Hamptons“, greeted by an enthusiastic roar from the audience. Frontwoman María Zardoya finally appeared from backstage, dressed in an ethereal white ensemble, immediately captivating the crowd with her hauntingly beautiful vocals.

The band continued with “Run Your Mouth” and “Real Life“, more tracks from their latest album Submarine, instantly drawing everyone into their lush, sonic world. The synergy between María and drummer/producer Josh Conway was evident as they navigated through a setlist that seamlessly blended songs from their debut album Cinema, their early EP’s and their latest release. I really appreciated María’s interaction with the audience, chatting about personal experiences, explaining the backgrounds to the origins of compositions, and accepting gifts from fans in between songs.

The Marías are known for their ability to fuse various genres, from jazz and funk to psychedelic rock and Latin rhythms, and their live performance showcased this versatility. The intricate arrangements and tight musicianship of the band members—Josh Conway (drums), Jesse Perlman (guitar), Edward James (keys), and Gabe Steiner (trumpet)—added layers of depth to each song, making the live versions even more compelling than their studio counterparts.

Highlights of the evening included a soulful rendition of “Blur” and the dreamy “No One Noticed” which had the audience singing along, while the upbeat “All I Really Want Is You” injected a burst of energy into the room. As the night drew to a close, The Marías treated the audience to an encore, performing a heartfelt version of “Cariño” which left everyone in a state of blissful reverie. The Marías‘ performance at The Fillmore Miami was a night filled with ethereal sounds, vibrant visuals, and an electric atmosphere that left a lasting impression in the memories of everyone who was lucky enough to be there.