Every week, we highlight some of our favorite releases in a handy list. Although we try to cover as much new music as possible, there are so many stellar releases to talk about. Consider this our genre-diverse guide to songs we have on repeat.
Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
1
Frikstailers - "Afrotrip"
Now that half of Frikstailers is based in Portugal, they’re giving some new sounds from across the pond a try right on time for Carnaval. The Argentine duo takes us on a trip for their latest single, where the afro-diasporic street sounds of Lisbon clash with Brazilian batucada, and it hypnotizes our muscles and makes them move against our will. Not that we’re resisting, of course. –Cheky
2
Rey Pila - "Flames"
A jolt of 80s nostalgia straight to the heart, Rey Pila’s new single “Flames” will live up to its name every time the Mexican synthwave favorites ignite impassioned singalongs at their shows. “Flames” sounds like it could be taken out of Top Gun; it oozes carefree cockiness with a hint of throwback kitsch via driving guitars, a thick bassline, and crisp synth stabs. Close your eyes and you can practically see Tom Cruise smiling. –Richard Villegas
3
Boogarins - "Sombra Ou Dúvida"
Brazil’s premier melodic psych band is back with the title track from their forthcoming album. Since this will be record no. 4 for the Goiânia alchemists, it makes sense that they’re shaking things up, adding digital flourishes to their kinetic groove. The results are a fresh blend of their earthier elements with a contemporary spin. –Marcos Hassan
4
Nsolo - "Drown"
“It’s you that I’m drowning for,” says Nsolo, the California R&B singer whose work we love for its inner-looking ambiance. This song feels like self-care time, a reconnection with your best friend. Lyrics caress the notion of a new love, one that has you gently rocking in the warm waves of feeling. –Caitlin Donohue
5
Matteus Carrilho - "Toma (feat. Tainá Costa)"
Matteus Carrilho of beloved tecnobrega trio Banda Uó has been spreading his solo wings with a series of explosive singles, getting fans frisky and sweaty on the dancefloor. His latest release, “Toma,” is a bawdy romp featuring the vocals and ad-libs of Tainá Costa. The track closes with a horn-driven key change tailor-made for late-night culo shaking. –Richard Villegas
6
MEELT - "Golpe de Calor"
There’s nothing sophisticated about “Golpe De Calor.” Fresh from the second album by Mexico City duo MEELT, the song’s frantic execution, which is about the effects of a heatwave or falling in love – or both – makes for an exciting listen. But it’s the touches of melody that will keep you coming back. It doesn’t hurt that they borrow the riff from Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage” either. –Marcos Hassan
7
DUEK - “Tormenta”
Pitch-shifted vocals welcome you to the pandemonium of the second single from the Berlin- and Buenos Aires-based artist known as DUEK. Get your kicks going with industrial rhythms and sinister synths; this song could soundtrack a rave at an abandoned steel mill deep into the night, yet the insistence of the chorus will keep you dancing like a robot. –Marcos Hassan
8
Bluejays - "Bluejays III"
The heart of rock n’ roll is still beating under the collective ribcage of Guadalajara, Mexico’s Bluejays, who infuse riffs, speed, and punk attitude into a single serving of adrenaline and scream-along choruses. Conjuring the spirit of Thin Lizzy through a hardcore lens, this anthem of encouragement will help you wake up in the morning better than coffee. –Marcos Hassan
9
Turbo Sonidero - "Kumbia del Eskarabajo"
San Jose’s Turbo Sonidero blesses us with this slightly off-kilter, almost-instrumental number. This one is best for the moments in which the party’s gone wacko and needs an electrocumbia rap blend capable of gracefully mapping the after-midnight lurch and lunge. –Caitlin Donohue
10
Irie Kingz - "No Drama"
This duo reps the tiny island of San Andrés, technically a part of Colombia but geographically, located far closer to the Caribbean shores of Nicaragua. Their oeuvre teases the edges of the island vibes hinted in their name (past features have included none other than Gyptian, on 2017’s “2 Yuh.” But this new single fits perfectly into Medellín’s slick reimagining of the urbano genre. –Caitlin Donohue
11
Bearoid - "Comer"
Valencia electronic pop artist Dani Belenguer, better known as Bearoid, just released “Comer.” It’s a rare exercise; he explores the topic of women’s orgasms from his point of view as a man. While the song is a lush and steady disco track, the lyrics are an adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster, perhaps resembling his perception of a woman climaxing. We’ll let you decide if he did the experience justice. –Cheky
12
Dante Spinietta & Duki - "Verano Hater"
The summer is ending in the Southern Cone, but former Illya Kuryaki member Dante Spinetta still wants to squeeze the last drops of romance out of the season with some borrowed trap magic from fellow rising Argentine star Duki. On the bubbly “Verano Hater,” all they want to do is have carefree, passionate summer flings. It’s safe to say they’re gonna get them. –Cheky