This is our weekly compilation of bite-sized reviews of newly released songs by our talented music writers. Discover new favorites, read nuanced criticism of the week’s hottest releases, and much more. Who knows, you might walk out of this with a new fave or two. Some of the featured artists include Los Aptos, Nsqk and Manu Manzo. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
Los Aptos - “Como lo Mueves”
Alt-regional trio Los Aptos take their sierreño sound to new heights with the endearing cumbia “Como lo Mueves.” Staying true to their signature romántico style, “Como lo Mueves” reads like a love letter confessional with its adoring lyricism. But the new single also finds frontman and guitarist Juan Ortega, bassist Jony Rivera, and guitarist Alex Rivera experimenting with lush, dream pop-like acoustic guitars and an uptempo ear-candy chorus that is sure to summon listeners to the dancefloor at first listen. – Nayeli Portillo
Nsqk - “SÍSIFO”
Mexican artist and producer Nsqk is on his trap game. His newest single, “SÍSIFO,” captures his futuristic trap facet that fuses rap, bass, and electronic elements, complementing his flow from deep to falsetto notes, separating him from other artists. Moreover, the creative released an intimate, behind-the-scenes visual to soundtrack the catchy track, which undoubtedly serves as a deeper connection to his fans. “SÍSIFO” is part of his upcoming project, DO YOU THINK ABOUT ME? – Jeanette Hernandez
REYNA - “Good Time”
While the indie sleaze revival is threatening to take over nostalgia-prone music lovers, REYNA is here to remind everyone of how amazing ‘00s twee pop was, giving us hope for the new generation. On “Good Time,” sisters Vic and Gab Banuelos ride a simple Casiotone-like keyboard riff and boxy drum beat before going all out in the chorus — guitars ring out and their subdued vocals get a hair more hectic through exquisite melodicism. REYNA proves that you can have attitude and fun while also remaining chill and soulful, giving us an early contender for alternative summer jam of 2024. — Marcos Hassan
Manu Manzo feat. Juandi - "Las Ganas”
Venezuelan-American powerhouse Manu Manzo’s newest song “Las Ganas” is just the right vibe to ease us into spring. As it quickly slides into a laid-back instrumentation, Manzo’s lush vocals assure us that she’s over her past love interest. That is until the chorus, where she admits that sometimes she feels like leaving the door open for them. Joining in on the second verse is fellow Latin Grammy nominee Juandi, who adds a sensual layer to the track. Nonetheless, softness is central to “Las Ganas,” and we hear a non-fussed Manu close out the track by harmonizing along with the horns. — Chelsea Quezada
Ordinarios - “Brisa”
Ordinarios’ freshman album, El Nido, came out just last year, and they’re eschewing the common multi-year wait for a follow-up, preparing to launch their 2nd LP in just a few months. Its first single, “Brisa,” showcases regular lead singer Astrid González Søegaard, who also has a solo side project under the moniker Blue Søe, accompanied by the band’s founder and director Gian Carlo Rodríguez. El Nido offered a bevy of different indie rock stylings, and here, Ordinarios opt for a more somber sound, with lyrics that mourn a relationship and the vacuum it leaves behind, with only the titular breeze as their new companion. — Juan J. Arroyo
Buenos Vampiros - “Puedo ver el mar en tus ojos”
At the southern tip of Buenos Aires province stands Mar del Plata, the fabled vacation city where Porteños often retreat in search of summer idyll. And still, goth and post-punk acts like Buenos Vampiros have harnessed the longing and nostalgia of a city that spends most of the year under dreary clouds and wild tides, pouring this restlessness into sprawling, sonorous epics. Teasing their highly anticipated third LP, the band has dropped “Puedo ver el mar en tus ojos,” a soaring declaration of eternal love answered in long wordless gazes and swirling in a storm of post-rock guitar textures. — Richard Villegas
aLex vs aLex - “nadie lo saBe (feat. Tita)”
Following her debut single “see me 4 the first time,” singer aLex vs aLex returns with “nadie lo saBe,” a smooth collaboration with fellow Guatemalans Tita and Bumont on vocals and production duties, respectively. Swimming in R&B waters, “nadie lo saBe” finds her and Tita trading verses in English and Spanish, packing as many hooks as possible in a little over three minutes. They sing over moody chords and an old-school beat about a love declaration that never materialized, a romance story that happened only in their mind. – Cheky
DRAAG - “Orb Weaver”
DRAAG announced their new EP Actually, the quiet is nice with the release of their lead single, “Orb Weaver.” Providing a taste of what’s to come, the avant-garde shoegaze act delivers a track that further dives into their signature compositions fueled by textured layers of hazy guitars, washed out fuzz, and heavy reverb. Nestled within the captivating static of noise, a serene melancholy is further found between dueling vocal harmonies that provide a refuge amongst the soundscape around them. Between the distorted lyricism and the accompanying visuals, the single dives into a haunting exploration of how the loudest memories can be found in the depths of the quiet stillness of the night. – Jeanette Diaz
Kathy Palma - “Extraño”
Falling in love with the idea of someone that you never completely knew is a difficult realization to come to terms with, but Guatemalan singer-songwriter Kathy Palma offers up some tender post-breakup clarity on “Extraño.” While sultrier tracks like last month’s “O Nada” portray all-consuming devotion, Palma returns with a quieter and more pop-leaning meditation this time around. Slinky guitars cut through the melancholic haze as she reflects on loving and losing through airy refrains that sting just as much as they soothe (“Yo merezco algo constante/no un amor distante/pero me enamore de un extraño/es algo muy raro”). – Nayeli Portillo
ANGEL22 - "Bad Manners”
Following their last track “Hello Kitty,” ANGEL22 is back with bold, risqué behavior. In “Bad Manners,” they let their hair down and let their bad bitch attitude do the talking. By merging Brazilian funk touches, an infectious tiptoeing melody, and a menacing bass with their multi-language flirty lyrics, the girl group delivers an offering that gives a tasteful glimpse of their new musical era. “We feel that [‘Bad Manners’] marks the beginning of a new era for ANGEL22 where we will not follow the rules of a girl group,” the baddies – Laura Buitrago, Alondra Martinez, Sofia Oliveira, and Wendii Sarmiento – shared in an online statement. “Now we are finding what we want to do and how we want to project ourselves to the world.” And based on this new track, we’re hooked and ready to see what rules they’re about to break. – Jeanette Hernandez
Valebol - “Del Fin”
Daniel Villarreal and Vivian McConnell have been teasing their new, self-titled full-length album with nothing but amazing tracks that defy categorization, and “Del Fin” is no exception. This tropicalia-inspired track conjures a placid mood, with McConnell doubling her own vocals to give the track an out-of-body quality. In essence, it feels ethereal yet grounded, like pop music from a not-so-distant planet. “Del Fin” manages to find a middle ground between complex sophisti-pop and direct, no-nonsense songwriting. With tracks like this, we can only hope that Valebol keeps going for many years to come. — Marcos Hassan
ELENA - "Hasta Cuando No Estás"
Fifteen-year-old singer-songwriter ELENA pours her heart out in a powerful piano ballad, “Hasta Cuando No Estás.” Reminiscent of Olivia Rodrigo’s debut single “drivers license,” the Puerto Rican teen delicately reflects on her first real love, revealing that she was all in and he was not. “’Hasta Cuando No Estás’ reflects my intense need for confirmation and commitment in a loving relationship where both my partner and I are completely aligned in our feelings and expectations,” shares the singer in a statement about the song. Layered harmonies convey her exhaustion and hurt as the song crescendos through the latter half. The rising artist has found her lane, and the potential is plain to see. — Chelsea Quezada
Mariana Beauchamp - “Para protegerme”
With a startling voice that is both firm and velvety, Mariana Beauchamp makes a solo debut that arrests the listener’s attention. In her single “Para protegerme,” she contemplates the urgency and necessity of taking steps to protect yourself in a world you can’t control but you still want to live in and admire. Bathed in an indie folk-pop aura, her lyrics stress the importance of leaning towards an inner peace that can heal wounds and form shields, because as she croons, “I deserve to run, and find myself.” It’s a beautiful track, one that should find itself in rotation when an existential confidence booster is in order. — Juan J. Arroyo
F.A.V., Tino Amor - “Amigos Imaginarios”
Over the years, we’ve heard much garage and experimental electronic music out of Costa Rica, but with their new self-titled record, F.A.V. and Tino Amor are here to stake a claim over the country’s thriving pop landscape. Oscillating between kitschy cumbia sonidera on “Pasión Volcán” and propulsive post-punk on the harrowing “Marchito,” the pair have proven their genre voraciousness while always prioritizing catchy hooks and hypnotic bass lines. Album opener “Amigos Imaginarios” synthesizes these ambitions into throbbing house and indie pop, with quirky horn samples, shimmering synths, and dreamlike storytelling about nights spent twirling alongside invisible friends. — Richard Villegas
Omar Apollo - “Spite”
Mexican-American heartthrob Omar Apollo is hinting a new project is on the horizon with the release of his brand new single “Spite.” First previewed in his recent South American festival run, “Spite” is a mid-tempo pop jam splashed with R&B melodies and soulful guitar work where he opens a window to an inner debate, and we can see him torn by a love interest he’s fixated on. “Why you going out your way to hide me?” he sings, but even in the face of this betrayal, he still can’t picture himself with anyone else. Also, don’t miss its spectacular music video shot in Mexico City. – Cheky
Bruno Berle - “New Hit”
Finding himself between worlds, in many interpretations of the phrase, Bruno Berle is helping usher in a new era of Brazilian folk. With the release of his latest project, No Reino Dos Afetos 2, he is picking up and completing where his debut first project (carrying the same title) left off. Finding atmospheric harmony between modern electro-driven dreamy pop and the rich archives of Brazilian folk, his beautifully crafted songs come to life with a sweet tenderness and sunny disposition. A love song to its core, its effervescent melody is wrapped in the affectionate lyricism of asking someone you love to join in on gleefully submitting and escaping into pure moments of joy and ecstasy – often found and overlooked in the everyday simple adventures of the world. – Jeanette Diaz