Baby I can see what you’re doing
But your love is a hell worth pursuing
And it’s not gonna kill me like it turns me on
and inside out and leaves me all undone
In the sunlit haze of Los Angeles, Maraschino, Piper Durabo’s brainchild, channels the sensuality of mid-80s Madonna, holding hands with the spirit of Debbie Harry. Beneath Maraschino’s wistful yesteryear melodies lies a more shadowed tale: that of a raw, unmasked popstar navigating the disarray of a crumbling society.
In Maraschino’s latest synthpop offering, “Heaven Lips,” she spins a tale that’s every bit as scandalous as it is beguiling. It’s a dance of ardour and danger, and one gets the sense that falling for such a romance is like playing with fire — dangerously enticing. Despite the odds, it’s hard to resist; for every kiss is infused with an almost divine allure, reminiscent of wine that’s too sweet to refuse. The chorus is a siren call, emphasizing the lure of those celestial smooches.
Her voice, with hints of Julee Cruise, is set against a backdrop of glinting synths that light up the L.A. nightscape. “Heaven Lips” rains down as part of the Maraschino’s tempestuous collection of songs that navigate love, heartbreak, the weight of solitude, and an unyielding determination to survive the ever-evolving streets of Los Angeles.
The accompanying visual narrative, masterfully directed by Allison Goldfarb, only adds layers to the story. Durabo emerges from the waves, a shimmering Botticelli Venus, with a siren’s charm impossible to resist. She’s daring love to take a chance on the pull of a heavenly caress.
Watch the video for “Heaven Lips” below:
Heaven Lips hails from the album, Hollywood Piano — available for your listening pleasure and also as a tangible vinyl treasure below. The melodic narrative was crafted under the astute production of Maraschino, complemented by the sultry backup vocals of Sophia Knapp. Adding a final touch of expertise, Jorge Elbrecht — known for his work with the likes of Frankie Rose and Tamaryn — took the reins on mixing.
Order the album here.
Growing up in the unyielding environment of Hollywood, Durabo has weathered life’s hardships with resilience. A proud product of her working-class roots and stifling surroundings, her individualism and self-sufficient spirit shine through. While she embodies strength, she also possesses a sense of humour about life’s challenges, handling each twist with grace and stride.
The core of the Maraschino project is a “renegade utopian vision where glamour and garbage collide in a sparkly bang. A place where you can have a good time while having a bad time. Where hearts are broken and mended, dreams crushed and reborn, all just to wake up and do it over again.”
Maraschino is playing one last LA show at Zebulon at 8 p.m. on September 11 before relocating to New York City.
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