Imagine a crossroads of roads: one disappears into the spicy Balkan winds, another vanishes into the mist of Canadian forests, and the third shines with the reflection of London lights. It is precisely there, at the junction of three cultures and three worlds, that the music of Marina Elezovic, better known as MAR, is born – a singer and songwriter with a unique story and sound. Born in Canada, spending her childhood in Croatia, and finding new inspiration in London, she has turned her songs into a bridge between cultures, voices, and eras. Her music is a delicate fabric of indie-folk and Americana, where the warmth of acoustics intertwines with a gentle melancholy in her voice.
Her debut album “Soanyway River” was released in 2022, followed by her second album” Calling Out “in the same year. In 2024, she presented the single “Mama I Don’t Wanna Play The Blues Anymore,” which received positive reviews from critics. In 2025, a new single, “The Edge,” continued her musical evolution. Today I want to introduce you to Marina Elezovic’s new work – the album” Mixtapes“. Recorded in London together with Sam Beer (The Treetop Flyers) and polished by the masterful hand of Adam Sezler (Fleet Foxes, REM.), the album will resonate with those who value sincerity and atmosphere. Themes of personal trials and searching are interwoven with the music so naturally that while listening, you get the feeling of reading your own letters, written at different times in life and put aside “for later.” The recording sounds intriguing – without question, it brings together genres, cultures, and eras – but at its core, there remains only Marina’s voice. Its sincerity and charisma, sometimes boldness, convey her personal stories.
The album consists of seven tracks – within them, you can hear soft indie-folk, echoes of blues, and even a touch of rock energy. Everything begins quietly and intimately with the track “Mama I Don’t Wanna Play The Blues Anymore “- here only Marina’s voice and an acoustic guitar remain in the foreground, without unnecessary embellishments or effects. It is an honest, intimate sound, but precisely in this simplicity and truthfulness, the theme of the album unfolds. In the title track “Mixtapes“, a new shade appears – a bit more rhythm, a touch of blues, and freedom. The music grows broader and more confident, as if Marina is finding an alternative. Blues tones add warmth, and a light drive pushes forward. At this moment, the album expands and changes along with the mood. On the track “The Sinner“, the singer subtly guides the listener from intimacy to breadth of sound, and it happens so naturally that you don’t even notice the transition. Sadness acquires luminous colors – it is a quiet beauty you want to dissolve in. The vocals are light, like breath – a smooth inhale and exhale. The atmosphere reaches a special depth in “Just Like You“: drawn-out harmonies and echoes create the effect of dawn, when the world is still asleep, and emotions feel especially sharp. The overall mood of the track doesn’t weigh down but rather gently envelops, allowing you to remain alone with your thoughts.
The turning point of the album comes with “Brother.” Here, more dynamics appear: the rhythm sounds bolder, and the melody takes firm, confident steps while still preserving intimacy. From this moment, the mood of the recording begins to change: while the first compositions are colored by softness and contemplation, the later ones reveal greater richness and inner strength. The track “The Edge” confirms this new sound. The guitars grow denser, the keyboards create a solid foundation, and Marina’s voice gains power and confidence. What impresses most is how organically she shifts from a chamber manner of performance to a driving and assertive one. This demonstrates her vocal versatility and underlines that she feels assured in this sound. In the final track “Dancing In Limbo (Feat La Lomeli)“, rhythmic work is especially noticeable: it becomes the backbone, at times slowing down, at times accelerating, creating dynamic emotional shifts. Marina’s voice moves easily from intimate closeness to a seemingly distant placement within the mix, while the backing vocals open up new layers. The song sounds complete, yet leaves behind a subtle aftertaste that makes you want to decipher it. With the final chord, only one desire remains – to immediately start the album again from the beginning.
“Mixtapes” is an album that does not strive to seize attention instantly. Its strength lies in gradual unfolding. Marina Elezovic has shown that she can be multifaceted: she has honesty, warmth, and vulnerability. It feels that for Marina, this release is a confident and, most importantly, meaningful work. For me, “Mixtapes” became that very album that crept into everyday life and stayed there. This is music for those who seek not only melodies but also resonance within themselves.
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