TIME TO MEET MARALUSO AND THEIR INCREDIBLY ‘HONEST’ EP DEBUT
Prepare to be charmed by Maraluso’s honest lyricism and dream-like melodies on their debut EP, The Wilder I Am, The Better You Are. This four-track release is extremely witty in nature, intimately examining the phases of rejection and denial. Maraluso is a force to be reckoned with, crafting music for the underdog: other young people who feel stagnant and disconnected from the world.
Founded in 2024, Maraluso is a rising indie-rock group based in Charleston, South Carolina. Reminiscent of young Clairo and Phoebe Bridgers, Maralin Russell fronts Maraluso with angelic vocals and an acoustic guitar. Russell, the mastermind of Maraluso, originally wrote under the pseudonym as a solo project until reconnecting with old friends later that year. After careful deliberation, David Green (lead guitar), Julius Cain (drums), Ellis Lybrand (bass) and Jeff Nissman (keys/synth) became permanent members of the band.
Graphic by Rosi Martens (Crave Music Magazine)
The band released their first single this year called “Still in Luck,” produced by Corey Campbell of Babe Club. The track outlines Russell’s first adult heartbreak, opening with a unison mid-tempo bass and guitar riff, hooking the listener. Throughout the song, you’ll faintly hear the drums keeping pace, allowing Russell’s hard-hitting vocals to shine through. In the chorus, Russell sings, “Cause the longer that I am sharing your shirt / The harder it is to give back to you first.” While this is written from the perspective of still being in the relationship, Russell was preparing for future rejection. The EP was ultimately named after the last line in “Still in Luck,” emphasizing track one’s importance to Maraluso.
Track two is “Honest,” the most vulnerable song from The Wilder I Am, The Better You Are. Russell writes about the shame surrounding sexuality and how unsettling coming out can be for members of the LGBTQ+ community. The verses are sung and played very delicately, almost like a whisper, refocusing the listener’s attention to the lyrics. Harmonies are scattered throughout the song, adding another layer to the song’s momentum. The climax occurs after the second chorus, centering the crisp electric guitar solo.
Russell laments, “When it's over, I'm embarrassed / I'll just sit there tell my parents / That I'm honest that I did it,” in the prechorus.
Next is “Move Out,” a raw and slower-paced track detailing the complexities of change and feeling stagnant in life. Although self-explanatory, “Move Out” addresses sitting with discomfort of overstaying your welcome. From start to finish, the rich acoustic guitar carries the bulk of the melody, later complimented by the keys and the drums. Charged with authenticity and nostalgia, “Move Out” is a quintessential coming-of-age story.
Surprisingly, the EP ends on a high with “Silver Skin,” both sonically and lyrically. This song is an obvious stand-out with its upbeat and dynamic instrumentation, setting it apart from the prior three. “Silver Skin” was written from a place of deep-rooted denial and fear, leading to a downward spiral. This is conveyed through the dissonance between Russell’s vocals and the lead guitar line.
“Let me roll down the window, put it all into motion / I kill all the lights and I'll give you an ocean,” Russell sings in verse two.
After the second chorus, there is a rhythmic, anxiety-inducing instrumental that segues into Russell’s distorted vocals. Overall, “Silver Skin” feels sporadic, jarring and exciting, leaving you wanting more.
This year has been a pivotal year for Maraluso. From the release of their first single to their debut EP, the band has shown so much growth already, and is just getting started. Guided by Russell’s fearlessness and knack for experimentation, it’s clear that Maraluso has the potential to take over the indie scene.
When the weight of the world is caving in, consider keeping The Wilder I Am, The Better You Are in your rotation.
Keep up with Maraluso:
