Thee Marloes - Di Hotel Malibu (Big Crown 
Records)
Release Date: 22nd May 2026
I was so pleased to get a whole album of Thee Marloes music to enjoy - it's like going from having a day pass to the spa to being gifted a life time membership. 'Di Hotel Malibu' is the latest album from the Indonesian trio and it is fourteen tracks of blissed out soul, RnB and just general vibes, so let's lean back, relax and enjoy, shall we? The album opens with 'Under The Silver Moon' and, not for the last time, there is a strong Sade influence in the polished soul and poised vocal from Natassya Sianturi. Up next is the retro sound of '6 Years' that bubbles and pops with the energy of a glass of champagne filmed in luxurious slow motion.
'Harap Dan Ragu' (translated as 'Hope and Doubt') has an effortless sway to it that is instantly soothing while 'Through The Changes' sounds like either a peak James Bond soundtrack or the music to an advert for a spirit that no longer meets health and safety guidelines. Title track 'Di Hotel Malibu' has a darker groove to it that makes it sexier and more dangerous than the other tracks so far, largely owing to the chords laid down by Sianturi on her keyboard. The guitars of Sinatrya Dharaka on 'I'd Be Lost' are blissful and the perfect foil for the dreamy lyrics about being absolutely and unconditionally in love. Similarly, the jazzy acoustic tones of 'Di Dalam' are sensationally matched with a fluttering flute before 'I'm Just A Girl' picks up the pace with a percussion fuelled 70s cop film soundtrack contender.
This has to be one of the hardest albums I've ever had to review, purely due to the general vibe of escapism the band create but songs like 'The More' bring you back to the present with its moody verses juxtaposed with lighter choruses. The drums take a step into the spotlight on 'Selatan' but the vibe is still one of a sunset cocktail in an upmarket beachside bar while 'What's On Your Mind' takes us firmly into the night time with a slinky, sexy melody and arrangement that will have you unwinding from the outside world to focus on some alone time with your significant other.
'Crazy Eyes' has a more driving energy to it a la Dusty Springfield but penultimate track 'Boru' returns us to that lounge bar aesthetic with the smoothest of melodies. The final track, 'Rahasia', feels epic but is less than three minutes long so you only get the briefest chance to enjoy one last chance of lusciously layered sounds creating a soulful soundscape for you to luxuriate in. I would recommend this album to anyone on a purely 'vibe' basis but those of you that appreciate carefully arranged sounds that still retain a huge amount of soul will enjoy this on an entirely separate level too.
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