Dear listeners and readers of Soundville, this summer has brought us a wave of new artists, fresh genres and experiments, music you will not stumble upon on mainstream radio, music that continues the tradition of savoring singular indie albums. One of the most striking releases I want to share is ‘Mixtapes’, the new album from Marina Elezovic. Performing under the name Mar, she has built a devoted following drawn to her intimate sound, easy flowing rhythms, the depth of her voice, and the way she weaves unexpected blends together. On ‘Mixtapes’, Marina Elezovic refuses to be bound by a single style. Within these tracks you can find touches of Americana laced with warm harmonica, moments of rock energy, and airy folk pop melodies that stay with you through their lightness and deeply personal tone. When I first encountered her music, it felt like time itself slowed down. There is something in it that makes you stop rushing, linger in the moment, and live within the stories Marina tells through her songs.

I would even say that ‘Mixtapes’ is a genuinely cinematic seven track release, each song playing like a short film of its own, yet together they build a larger narrative. The album artwork reflects this vision as well, modern, aesthetic, and evocative of a life captured as a collage of memories. I confess, I love this approach. Marina Elezovic shares something profoundly personal here, opening her heart and letting listeners step closer to her own inner world. It is what makes the album feel so intimate, and why this music gives you chills. Perhaps the multicultural influence played a role in Marina Elezovic’s music. She was born in Canada, but lives in Croatia, and I think this mix of cultures, history, and even weather has left an important mark on her music, on its dynamics, mood, and atmosphere. So let’s put aside our tasks and busyness and just enjoy the amazing album ‘Mixtapes’ right now.

The first track, ‘The Sinner’, is a cozy mix of Americana with indie guitar. Airy harmonica and stunning harmonies that enhance Marina Elezovic’s vocals create a very warm atmosphere. This track can be listened to while sitting on a porch, simply enjoying the view of your homeland. There is something very familiar on one hand, and on the other hand melancholic. Maybe it’s the unique vocal technique of Marina Elezovic, the slight vibrato in her singing immediately catches you and prepares you for even more interesting sounds in the rest of the album. I like how the gentle atmosphere continues in the track ‘Mama I Don’t Wanna Play The Blues Anymore’. Airy guitar strings weave in the background while Marina Elezovic’s voice comes forward.

This is an Americana ballad with light blues touches, which will find a response among fans of Americana music, as well as among those who appreciate very tender and deep folk sound. You know, in ‘Mama I Don’t Wanna Play The Blues Anymore’ Marina Elezovic reveals her ability to create whole stories in her songs and bring pictures to life in the listener’s mind as the song plays. It’s incredibly cool. I like how the track ‘Brother’ slowly sways, how it starts with the hypnotic playing of airy guitar and holds your attention and interest the whole time. It feels like the melody is about to take off, and it does near the end, hitting with its dynamic power. ‘Brother’ is one of my favorite tracks on the album. Too sensual, too emotional, too cool. The track ‘Mixtapes’ adds brighter and more positive tones and rock touches to the album.

I like the light rhythms and the guitar playing, the perfect track to spend your day on a high note, just going about your business, meeting with loved ones, and forgetting what’s happening in the world. This is very important, especially in turbulent times. And if you need a track to tune into a wave of positivity, something light and very inspiring, I recommend keeping the song ‘Mixtapes’ near the top of your favorite playlist. Next comes the track ‘Dancing In Limbo’, and it feels like night falling after a bright and memorable evening. I like this hypnotic atmosphere, here Marina Elezovic’s slow, soothing vocals and light guitar playing create a very cinematic and aesthetic track that brings unique touches to the album. The softly invited guest artist La Lømelí adds tenderness to the sound, like a cool breeze. I love it!

The album finishes with the tracks ‘Just Like You’ and ‘The Edge’, and I want to point out the extended lengths. If the 4 minute 20 second ‘Just Like You’ heats the air with swinging bright guitars, Marina Elezovic’s vocals become stronger and more energetic, and you can feel in every bar that the melody is about to reach its peak… And in the final track ‘The Edge’, which lasts 7 minutes and 39 seconds, it happens, the melody flows like sweet honey. In ‘The Edge’, the sound shifts, revealing that conceptual tone, leaving a feeling of closure from the release. I like the longer duration because it allows you to enjoy every bar, feel the atmosphere change, hear the sound and story evolve. Believe me, after listening to the final ‘The Edge’, you will feel like you’ve just watched a short film. Achieving that effect is very difficult, but Marina Elezovic has done it! Wow! That was incredibly cool. I feel like I’ve rebooted and feel much better after listening to ‘Mixtapes’, much better than before. And you? You felt it too, right? Be sure to add your favorite tracks to your playlist and follow Marina Elezovic so you don’t miss more of this cozy and wonderful indie-folk music. Absolutely recommended!

Hey, Marina Elezovic! Thank you for releasing such soulful and amazing music. When I listened to your album, I felt incredible inspiration, and the aesthetic of your sound so strongly affects perception and mood, it’s really great and you can feel how much effort and inspiration went into ‘Mixtapes’. I truly connected with your sound, your lyrics, your performance, and your guitar, it was very cool. The mix of genres adds a special kick, incredibly captivating, and I will definitely show your album to everyone. Let them listen to such wonderful and atmospheric songs too. I love it, and I’m your fan!

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With much love,
Soundville