Maria También

Khruangbin, 2018, from Con Todo el Mundo. Solo by Mark Speer.

Speer's reverb-soaked, Middle Eastern-inflected melodies drive this instrumental over a deep, tight groove.

Maria También is driven by Mark Speer's reverb-soaked guitar, which spins Middle Eastern-inflected melodies over a deep, tight groove. His tone is bright and spacious, with a surf-like shimmer, and his phrasing uses quick ornaments and modal note choices that give the lines an exotic flavour. The bass and drums lock into a steady pulse, letting the guitar dance freely on top. It captures Khruangbin's blend of global influences and laid-back funk. Listen for the small trills and slides Speer adds to the melody, and how the reverb makes each note bloom and linger, creating a hypnotic, almost cinematic atmosphere around the relentless rhythm.

Maria También by Khruangbin is featured in our Neo-Soul (#9) list. The solo is played by Mark Speer and the song was released in 2018.

In our lists

• The Greatest Solo of Every Year — #75
• The 20 Greatest Neo-Soul Guitar Solos — #9
• The Best Khruangbin Guitar Solos — #1

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