Marva Von Theo come to our attention for the first time through their genre-blending and introspective track and video, The Woman I Left Behind.

By Graeme Smith

The track opens with an instrumental led by crystalline percussion and layers of etherealness. It supports delicate and arresting vocals which deliver memorable poetry in the lyrics. A slow-burner, it builds gradually, stirringly, before exploding into affirming life at the halfway point.

The lyrics speak of finding oneself through emotional struggle, ultimately rediscovering inner strength and seeking self-forgiveness while a video, directed by John Karabeles, alternates between expansive landscapes and intimate performance. Its images are rich in metaphor.

Marva Von Theo is the duo of Athens, Greece-based Marva Voulgari and Theo Foinidis. While Voulgari is a classical pianist and jazz vocalist, Foinidis handles piano and composing. They formed in 2017, finding their niche in electronic pop. Yet, the term doesn’t quite cover all that they do. They push boundaries, blend genres, and ultimately come up with something beautifully unique. I’ll be keeping a close eye out for more music from them. I think they might be a new favourite.

The Woman I Left Behind is out now and you can give it a listen below.