The Marias Serve Up a Hypnotic Set at Atlanta's Shaky Knees

Her signature opening silhouette painted against a white circular curtain drew out the crowd’s anticipation before she appeared, back bending and contorting into impossible shapes as she performed their first song. The night was a mix of fan favorites snd new songs: “Nobody New,” “Back to Me,” and a treat for longtime fans, “No One Noticed” with an extended Spanish section. Each song was like its own little world. 

The stage lighting deepened the experience: the love songs bathed in rich reds and violets, the breakup songs awash in icy blues. Gabe Steiner stepped into his own spotlight for a trumpet solo that sent the crowd into a frenzy while María drifted across the stage, letting the music move her. Guitarist Jesse Perlman shredded through every song, and Josh on drums anchored the set with finesse. 

Everyone, band and crew alike, put 100% effort into the set and it showed. When they performed “Only in My Dreams,” María sat in her side-stage “tub” as bubbles filled with smoke floated around her, rising and bursting like secrets spilling in slow motion. It was a poetic, beautiful touch. 

When the lights dimmed, I knew it was going to be a set that people keep bringing up at Shaky Knees in the future. The Marías left the stage and the crowd still hummed with their energy. It clung to me as I made way toward Deftones, eager to dive into one of their chaotic pits.

Review by: David Saxum; Photo by: Roger Ho/Shaky Knees Festival

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