The Marias • Automatic • Homephone • August 16, 2024 • Gallivan Center
Reviewed and Photographed by Mark Daluz
For everyone living in Salt Lake City, we all are aware of how hot this summer has been but one event truly sizzled: SLC Twilight. My first ever show for UCR was for Rina Sawayama, capping off last year’s remarkable summer lineup. This year’s lineup was nothing short of incredible, with performances from Laufey, Watchouse, Jungle, and The Marias. The plethora of talent made for an unforgettable summer. I was thrilled to cover The Marias capping off this summer’s SLC Twilight Concert Series.
I was first introduced to The Marias two years ago when a friend of mine went to their 2022 show at the Depot. Although I couldn’t make it, her review of the show made me a little jealous, making this opportunity to see them live more redeeming. This show turned out to be the only SLC Twilight show held at Library Square instead of the Gallivan Center, a refreshing change in scenery.
Making my way down to Library Square, I was taken aback by the massive line wrapping around the County building next door. It seemed to twist endlessly around the block, a reminder to The Marias popularity. Unsurprisingly, Parking was challenging. Every lot seemed like they had a year waitlist before you could even get in but I found a lot two blocks away and decided the walk was better than waiting.
Homephone
After getting through the gates, I made my way towards the stage and it started to fill up rapidly. I timed getting to the venue pretty well because just 5 minutes later the first band made their way to the stage. That first band was Homephone, a local alt/indie band from Salt Lake City! They delivered a set with mellow vibes reminiscent of The Plastic Cherries and TV Girl. Despite the relentless sun, Homephone’s laid-back indie sound captivated the audience, making everyone sway and lose themselves in the music. For those late-night drives, I really recommend adding Homephone to your playlists.
Automatic
Up next was the band Automatic, A pop/post-punk band from Los Angeles. The trio consistents of Izzy Glaundini (synth, lead vocals), Lola Dompe (drums, vocals) and Halle Saxon (bass, vocals). They were more energetic than Homephone but their music called for that. Their song “NRG” was something you don’t hear much of in Utah so it was refreshing to get that sound here. They also played songs called “Turn Away” and “Suicide in Texas”. Later into their set, they got more lively. Even hopping off stage to sing directly in front of the crowd and dancing like no one was watching. Overall, they were a really fun act and was a good addition in the buildup for The Marias arrival.
The Marias
I got into the pit about 10 minutes before The Marias got on stage. During those 10 minutes, the anticipation in the crowd was palpable not just for me but also my fellow photographers and security. I was in between a conversation with a security guard and a concertgoer in the front of the barricade about how to brace for impact when the Marias come out. It was the best interpretation of Calm before the Storm because before I knew it, the band started taking their places and screams filled up Library Square.
The band started playing their respective instruments. Every second felt like a gradual crescendo toward a grand climax. The suspense was tense until finally, the lead singer Maria Zardoya rose from the ground as they transitioned into “Hamptons”. Followed by “Run Your Mouth” and “Submarines”. The ecstatic cheers and screams from the audience were heard around Downtown SLC as she strode from left to right on stage.
Beyond just how much she demanded all attention be on her and the band, she still left room for anecdotes and interaction within her crowd. She addressed her Spanish-speaking fans, calling those to cheer if they were of North-Central American descent like Nicaragua, El Salvador, Puerto Rico, Columbia, or Mexico. After the roars, the band dove right into “Ay no puedo” and “Lejos de ti”. Other favorites from their set were “Heavy”, “Otto Atardecer (Bad Bunny Cover)”, and “Paranoia”.
After a brief intermission, all you could hear was “One More” as they made their way back on stage to finish the night off to “If Only”, “Just a Feeling”, “All I Really Want Is You”, and “Carino”. Throughout the night, Maria and her band seemed like they had more energy as the show went on. Maria would greet the fans, showering them with love and gratitude. The Marias left their mark on everyone who attended the show. Those who came with heavy hearts left uplifted and euphoric.
