Amyl and the Sniffers. Kneecap. IDLES. Missing these artists early on are some of my biggest regrets when it comes to concert attendance. And all three of them played modest venues; Thee Parkside, The New Parish, and Great American Music Hall. All of them have quickly made a name for themselves and within a couple tour cycles, are headlining substantially larger venues.
I won’t be making that mistake with the UK’s post-punk free jazz weirdos Maruja.
The quartet of Harry Wilkinson (vocals and guitar), Jacob Hayes (drums), Joe Carroll (sax), and Matt Buonaccorsi (bass) have just released the third in a trilogy of EPs, this time a 20-something minute improvisational meditation called “Tir na nÓg.” This EP follows up their more grounded debut, “Knocknarea,” and the more accessibly punk “Connla’s Well.”
The latter EP features just four tracks, but the meditative and emotional “The Invisible Man” is one you could play on loop; free jazz solos, breakbeats, almost slam poetry style vocals, and throbbing basslines make for a densely detailed experience.
And Maruja’s recent single “Break the Tension” is a driving, spacey track that feels like you’re coasting downhill at night with questionable brakes.
If the live footage and photos I’ve seen are any indication, Maruja’s shows are a party. Shirtless stage diving, saxophone playing in the crowd, and bass guitar freak-outs are just some of what you could expect this coming Wednesday at San Francisco’s Brick and Mortar Music Hall.
Maruja
Indents
March 5th, 2025 at Brick and Mortar Music Hall in San Francisco / 7PM / All Ages
Tickets can be purchased here.
