"Melt"

By James Yu Nov. 12, 2025

For many avid fans, the work of their favorite artists is to die for (figuratively). Just take 19-year-old Playboi-Carti fan Noah Urban, also known as “King Bob,” who was arrested for crimes related to his leaking of the unreleased Carti song “24 songs.” As the price for new music, he now faces up to 20 years in prison. Thus, it’s always a delight to receive new music from adored artists, even if it comes through the form of a solo project (just as long as it’s released legally!) Likewise, I was overjoyed at the news that María Zardoya, the lead singer of one of my favorite bands, The Marias, released a new solo project dubbed “Melt” under the artist name “Not for Radio.” While much of the musical substance and themes carry over from previous Marias projects, “Melt” offers much in the way of experimental sounds for listeners to explore.

The project opens with “Puddles,” which sets the tone with María’s staple whimsical vocals, accompanied by an ascending and descending instrumental line throughout the song. As an opening track, “Puddles” delivers, establishing a mysterious distant romance that is picked up on in the following track “My Turn.” In “My Turn,” mystery gives way for remorse, as María reflects on a broken relationship and the melody turns to gloom. María’s delivery is excellent, with the emotions behind each lyric feeling almost palpable through her voice.

Picking up the vibes, “Moment” transforms remorse to desire, as María sings of longing for her companion. Ditching the mellow melodies, “Moment” employs bold piano and drum instrumentals, combining with clear vocals to create a musically cohesive song. Similarly, the eighth song on the project, “Vueltas” maintains a similarly romantic vibe, elevated by dreamy guitar instrumental and Spanish vocals which complement each other quite well.

Overall however, the album maintains the solemn sadness introduced in “Puddles” and “My Turn.” In “Back to You,” María wishes for her lost lover, with a steady melody supporting her remorseful vocals which dominate most of the track. By layering secondary vocals on top of the main singing, “Back to You” is able to seamlessly build tensions as María’s desperation to return to her lover rises. While “Melt” presents listeners with many stand-out songs, all making the most of Maria’s beautiful vocals, the album doesn’t blow me away, making it a thought provoking project but certainly not something to die for.

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About the Contributors

James Yu

Ad Manager

James Yu is a Senior at Leland High School and Ad Manager for The Charger Account. He loves listening writing sweet ledes! Outside of Journalism, he enjoys debating for the debate team, hanging out with friends, and sleeping.