Maria Zardoya lead singer for the indie band named after her “The Marias” came out with her solo project called “NotForRadio” this past month, which she says is her “alternate reality.” Her music is very well known for its heartbreak and sadness but also romantic feel. On October 10th, 2025, she released her album “Melt”. It’s a collection of songs that tell her story of finding her voice, expressing her pain and healing, and showing how music can be a powerful outlet for self-expression and reflection.
Top songs that stood out to me were “Back to you”, “ Vuletas”, and “Puddles.” “Back to you” has a calm sadness and longing emotion to it. It reflects how Maria turns heartbreak into beauty; she doesn’t try to hide the sadness but turns it into a dreamy calmness. “Vuletas” has a Latin touch to it but also symbolizes having acceptance after heartbreak. The Spanish lyrics to it has an emotional, bittersweet vibe also nostalgic feeling. “Puddles” is a song on Maria finding herself and stepping out of “The Marias” into her own world. It has a slow, floating energy and also romantic tension.
Some songs that are underrated I found amazing were “Moment”, “Slip”, and “Magnet.” “Moment” is a song that Maria realizes that she cannot freeze time or stop changing. It has a fragile, cinematic, and nostalgic feeling. “Slip” is a reflection on how she loves deeply but knows that closeness can fade or change. It has a dreamy, haunting, and also a drowning feeling. “Magnet” is a song that feels like an attraction you cannot fight. It is passionate, magnetic, and quite intense.
Now that the album has been released for a couple of weeks, I would recommend listening to it.
