From Aesthetic to Anthem: How The Marias are Redefining No Doubt's Legacy
24/08/24 - This has *only* been grammar-checked by AI.
The best bit about music? Is that what you are asking? Well, it's easily how it is an ever-evolving landscape of music, where certain bands emerge that seem to capture the spirit of an era — mixing genres, challenging norms, and crafting that "picture-perfect but rough" visual identity that becomes as iconic as their sound, like many artists now always strive to create. For the 90s and 00s, that band was No Doubt, led by the (soon-to-be breakout star and soloist) Gwen Stefani, who brought ska, punk, and pop together in a way that defied easy categorisation. Does anyone remember ska? Eitherway, I was listening along (and also watching) the Marias, and their song "Run Your Mouth" on YouTube and I noticed the stylistic similarities in terms of how the brand looks and presents themselves, even down to how similar the visual concept for both The Marias' track and the music video for No Doubt's "Hey Baby" video is. Today, this is a fairly new band is making waves with a similarly genre-defying approach. But could they be this generation’s No Doubt? Let’s dive into the aesthetics, music, and overall vibe of both bands to see just how deep these similarities go. Spoiler alert: shockingly close...
"I like the necklace that you made me."
When it comes to aesthetics, No Doubt and The Marias share that uptight flair for blending the past with the present in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh, as a gay man who is stereotypically meant to be the fashion guru (thanks Gok Wan for that stereotype), it's so pleasantly entrancing to see and watch.
No Doubt burst onto the scene with a look that was as electric as their sound; sharp, punctual but laid-back. Gwen Stefani’s platinum blonde hair, red lipstick, and apparent like to show off her waist and hips became instantly iconic. The band mixed ska-punk roots with a Southern California vibe, often donning outfits that looked like they were straight out of a thrift store, yet somehow runway-ready, they took RuPaul's "Drag On A Dime" challenge as a ERA... and made it work, honey! It was a look that screamed both rebellion and refinement, nothing perfect but just enough, capturing the 90s’ spirit of youthful angst and bold self-expression.
The Marias, on the other hand, have crafted a visual identity that’s equally striking, but with a more dreamy, ethereal twist. Lead singer María Zardoya often rocks a retro-chic style that’s reminiscent of 60s and 70s glamour — honestly I would start to think about flowing dresses, soft curls, and a colour palette that leans heavily on reds, golds (no black sadly), and pastel hues. The band as a whole embraces a vintage vibe, but with a modern edge that feels meticulously curated. Their music videos and album art often feature soft-focus visuals, moody lighting, and a distinct cinematic quality, creating an aesthetic that’s both hypnotic and undeniably cool, look at the cover-art for both CINEMA and Submarine, it's GORGEOUS.
"I know who I am, but who are you?"
Whilst the styles are fairly different in their own right, both of them are united by this aura of rebellion, disregarding the styles of modern artistic standards to create what they want! Then again, if there’s one thing that truly connects No Doubt and The Marias, with no question, it’s their fearless approach to music-making. Both bands have refused to be boxed into a single genre, opting instead to blend a variety of influences into something uniquely their own.
No Doubt started out as a ska-punk band, but they evolved! Their breakthrough album, 'Tragic Kingdom' (1995), featured everything from the ska-punk anthem “Spiderwebs” to the reggae-infused “Underneath It All,” and the pure pop of “Just a Girl.” No Doubt wasn’t afraid to mix genres that weren’t supposed to go together, creating a sound that was as unpredictable as it was infectious. "Hey Baby" is absolutely one of my favourite tracks from them ever due to how influentially different the song was compared to everything else on the chart. Remember when the chart was fully varied with different genres? They flirted with everything from rock and reggae to new wave and synth-pop, all while maintaining a cohesive identity that was unmistakably theirs. They rocked the game! I don't know how else to tell you, I could write one HELL of a homage to the band. Seriously.
But, The Marias are similarly adventurous in their musical experimentation. Their sound is a lush blend of indie pop, jazz, psychedelia, and even hints of bossa nova. Tracks like “Hush” and “I Don’t Know You” showcase their ability to create music that’s both genre-defying and deeply atmospheric. The band’s debut album, Cinema, is just as a sonic journey that takes listeners through a world of dreamy synths, sultry vocals, and intricate instrumentals, all while maintaining a sense of intimacy and warmth, just like 'Tragic Kingdom'. Like No Doubt, The Marias don’t just make music — they create a mood, a vibe that’s both immersive and intoxicating. That vibe is one of the heaviest weights that the band successfully carried with ease!
"Is my hand touching yours?"
No Doubt, particularly with Gwen Stefani at the helm, became a voice for a generation of young people who felt caught between rebellion and conformity. Tracks like “Just a Girl” became anthems of female empowerment, while “Don’t Speak” captured the heartache of a breakup with raw, emotional honesty at the time. No Doubt wasn’t just a simple bland band; they were one hell of a cultural force, helping to shape the identity of the 90s and early 2000s.
The Marias, while still in the early stages of their career compared to No Doubt’s lengthy legacy, are carving out a similar space for themselves in today’s musical landscape. Their music, while often introspective and personal, resonates with a generation that values authenticity, emotional depth, and artistic integrity. María Zardoya’s lyrics, often sung in both English and Spanish, reflect the multicultural, bilingual reality of many young people today, adding a layer of inclusivity and relatability that feels particularly of the moment. (Is that too far of a stretch? Honestly, her artistry speaks volumes, even in her own music, you can see the legacy she wants to leave for everyone else to revel in.)
"So please, take a closer look"
No Doubt wouldn’t have been No Doubt without Gwen Stefani, and The Marias wouldn’t be The Marias without María Zardoya (literally). Both women bring a unique blend of charisma, style, and talent that elevates and brings their respective bands from good to unforgettable.
Gwen Stefani was, and still is, a force of nature — a frontwoman who could command a stage with her powerful voice, infectious energy, and undeniable presence. Stefani’s ability to switch from playful to introspective, from punk rock to pop princess, made her an icon in a way few others have managed to replicate. Whilst María brings a different kind of magnetism. Her voice is explosive in tone and delicate, yet so smooth, with that captivating quality that draws you in and doesn’t let go. On stage, she exudes a quiet confidence, as seen in their tour in 2021. I don't know personally if on purpose, but it completely creates a sense of mystery that’s complemented by her band’s cinematic soundscapes. Maria’s bilingual lyrics and multicultural influences make her a representative of a more global, interconnected world, adding a fresh layer to The Marias’ appeal. (again, is that a stetch?)
"Sorry baby, It's the end of the world"
While it might seem bold to compare a relatively new band like The Marias to the legendary No Doubt, when one brand has been around for decade, and the other mere years, the parallels are just super striking to me. Both bands have crafted such an intriging visual and sonic identity that defies easy categorisation, blending genres, eras, and influences into something entirely their own. They’re led by charismatic frontwomen who bring their music to life with style and substance, and they resonate with their respective generations in ways that feel deeply personal and culturally significant.
So, are The Marias this generation’s No Doubt? In many ways, yes. They’re pushing boundaries, challenging expectations, and doing it all with a style and flair that feels both timeless and utterly of the moment. Like No Doubt before them, The Marias are a movement, a vibe, and a voice for a generation that’s ready to embrace the new while still honouring the past.
Thank you for reading! This was easily the longest and lengthiest article I think I have ever had the pleasure of writing! The moment I got into the topic, and flicking back and forth on both Wikipedia pages, lead to me just speed-writing the lot of this! Plus, my earlier draft from the other night that I was writing whilst on call helped >:D muhahaha... Anyway, thank you for reading!