Sunday night at Berkeley’s Greek Theatre kicked off with a standout opener: Julie, a Los Angeles-based three-piece who are quickly proving themselves as one of the most exciting names in modern shoegaze. Their set wasn’t just background noise; it was a dynamic, creative jolt. Drawing clear inspiration from My Bloody Valentine, Swirlies, and especially Sonic Youth, Julie pushed past the typical hazy shoegaze sound and leaned into something sharper, more restless, and more experimental.
Songs like “Lochness,” “Flutter,” and “Kit” cut through the amphitheater with layered guitars and raw urgency, pulling the crowd into their hypnotic world. For many in the audience, Julie wasn’t just an opening act—they were a revelation. The buzz for an album is already real, and after this set, it’s easy to see why.
The all-ages crowd had packed the venue early, some arriving as soon as 4 a.m. to lock down barricade spots. By the time The Marías emerged under their deep blue stage lights, the air was thick with anticipation. María Zardoya delivered her signature effortless cool, guiding fans through a setlist that balanced hits like “Hush,” and “Cariño,” with deeper cuts like “Blur” and “Paranoia.” Highlights like “Over the Moon,” “Vicious,” and “No One Notices” turned the amphitheater into a collective sway, proving the band’s mastery of atmosphere.
What made the night even more memorable was its sense of purpose. One dollar from every ticket supported The Marías Foundation, channeling funds toward local nonprofits. And for some lucky fans, the night didn’t end at the venue—María was later seen at Cornerstone Berkeley, casually mingling with fans, a rare offstage moment that deepened the personal feel of the show.
For anyone debating whether to catch this tour, the answer is simple: do it. Come for the music, stay for the community, and don’t sleep on Julie—they just might steal the night.
