The full-length debut of
the Marias
-- singer
Maria Zardoya
, drummer/producer
Josh Conway
, and band --
Cinema
is appropriately named not only for its expansive, retro-tinged psych-soul-bossa pop; the album was directly inspired by the core duo writing music together for films. A slinky highlight, the cautionary "Hush," has a video that was influenced by directors
Pedro Almodovar
and
Wes Anderson
. Both sleek and sophisticated throughout,
's nocturnal tone is guided by
Zardoya
's seductive, sighing vocals, which slide between English and the occasional Spanish (as well as French) as seamlessly as the ephemeral tracks are well-suited for the club, car, or headphone listening. ~ Marcy Donelson