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 Jarina De Marco, Morat, and Los Aptos. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.
Jarina De Marco - “Boca Chica”
“Wanna get away to paradise?” coos Brazilian-Dominican pop provocateur Jarina De Marco on “Boca Chica,” the opening track of her debut album Caribbean All Inclusive Luxury. At first listen, it may come off as a sly invitation to indulge. But underneath the decadent sheen is a sharp take from a local “looking in on the tourists who enjoy luxuries that are seemingly unattainable” to its own people, as De Marco’s falsettos hover over a scintillating house-like beat. – Nayeli Portillo
Morat - “Feo”
After a short break following the release of the 2022 album SI AYER FUERA HOY, Colombian pop-rock band Morat is back with new music. “Feo” is a self-deprecating song, seeing Juan Pablo Villamil unable to comprehend how the attractive woman at the bar could possibly notice him while also thanking God this is the case. Produced by Mauricio Rengifo and Andrés Torres, the earworm was remarkably written in just 15 minutes. The group promises that there won’t be another hiatus in the near future because there’ll be more where that came from before the year’s end. — Chelsea Quezada
Los Aptos - “Sálvame”
Are romantic cumbias having a moment? Following their newest album, Descifrar, Los Aptos continues exploring their Latine roots’ soundscape. In their newest track, “Sálvame,” the Mexican-American group dabbles in rhythmic cumbia — new experimentation from their usual indie sierreño and forward-thinking alternative pop sounds. “Sálvame” oozes sensitivity with the vocalist Juan Ortega’s emotional lyrics about wanting to be saved by a special someone. His particular sadboy-esque vocal touch sets the song apart from other modern, passionate cumbia tracks. As far as the song’s production goes, it follows traditional elements like the accordion and percussion, giving an ode to their Latine upbringing. The result? A new sound wave they should seriously continue riding. – Jeanette Hernandez
Chuwi - “Tierra”
The Puerto Rican folk band Chuwi has recently enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past few months. Last year saw the release of their EP, Pan, shortly after they opened for Buscabulla’s concert on the island. Three weeks ago, they premiered their own Tranquilo Quieto session, and this week, they dropped their newest single, “Tierra.” The song is a pensive meditation on the yearning for a home or land to call your own — a sentiment widely shared by many locals, including young residents who feel dismayed by the rampant gentrification and government disinterest. Up next: their biggest show yet, as they continue planting the seeds for a breakout year. — Juan J. Arroyo
Mint Field - “Orquidea”
Not many artists can keep a groove while building a lovely and dreamy atmosphere, but Mexico’s Mint Field demonstrates they are an exception to the rule. Estrella Del Sol’s vocals are as lovely and ethereal as they have always been while guitars swirl in the background, yet the mid-tempo beat keeps things lively. The rhythm propels “Orquidea” to evolve as it develops, from melancholic and pensive to ecstatic as the finale goes full-on My Bloody Valentine. With this cathartic track, Mint Field transcends any tag you could apply to them and becomes their own sound. — Marcos Hassan
The Red Pears - “Tired”
Right before embarking on their biggest U.S. headlining tour to date, which includes an opening slot for Interpol, El Monte trio The Red Pears share a brand new single, the pensive indie rock jam “Tired.” Originally written in their teens, “Tired” was given an overhaul that reflects the band’s current sounds, still nodding to their signature fuzzy origins. Singer Henry Vargas shines with his affected vocals that stand in between Julian Casablanca’s languidness and Alex Turner’s theatrics as he has a hard look at a relationship, flaws and all. – Cheky
Felipe Orjuela, Fintas, inDiazo - “El Descontrol (Ya Llegó)”
Bogotá tropicalist Felipe Orjuela has unveiled his latest LP, El Derroche, dipping into a rich pool of cumbia, salsa, and música llanera while extrapolating on these beloved genres with his own brand of cheeky guapachosidad. Among the album’s many highlights, “El Descontrol (Ya Llegó)” is perhaps the most concise encapsulation of his thesis: this is party music, so start dancing. The track’s crunchy bass lines are reminiscent of Argentine cumbia turra, while Orjuela’s zooming accordion anchors his psychedelic cumbia machinations in the hallowed teachings of Andrés Landero and Carmelo Torres. And just before he strays too far into nerdy crate-digger’s delight, rappers Fintas and inDiazo pop up with hype verses that bring the tune back to the streets of Bogotá’s pulsating urban sprawl. – Richard Villegas
Montañera - "Un Día Voy a Ser Mariposa”
Colombian musician María Mónica Gutiérrez, better known by her stage name of Montañera, gets into the nitty-gritty of transformative growing pains on “Un Día Voy a Ser Mariposa,” the latest from her forthcoming album. Here, Gutiérrez cuts through cascades of ghostly synths with jagged-edge vocals as she moves towards wholeness following devastation separation. Fans of Grouper composer and musician Liz Harris will rejoice in this similarly cathartic, ambient-experimental soundscape. – Nayeli Portillo
María Raquel - "Juego de Dolor"
Somewhere between a 1920s New York jazz club and a Bond film scene lies María Raquel’s new single, “Juego de Dolor.” The Medellín, Colombia, native delivers a velvety yet guttural story about a love that was everything to her but meaningless to the other person. It’s rare to hear a sound as grand as hers these days, complete with a live recording of a 16-piece orchestra to tie together the vintage composition. “Juego de Dolor” is from her upcoming album, Mucha Mujer, out in just two weeks’ time. — Chelsea Quezada
Cash Bently - “Loco Sin Ti”
Música mexicana is a global movement. Another testament to this is Guatemalan-Salvadoran artist Cash Bently, who is following and influenced by the musical steps of artists like Junior H and Ariel Camacho. With “Loco Sin Ti,” Bently explores traditional Mexican elements, crooning romantic post-breakup lyrics on his minimalistic sierreño track. Before this era, Bently also experimented with other sound palettes such as corridos tumbados, trap, reggaeton, and rap — proving that the chameleon-like producer doesn’t stay in one lane. – Jeanette Hernandez
Wiso Rivera - “Apa feat. Matt Louis”
Producer and Latin Grammy nominee Wiso Rivera has made the most of his young career, having worked with artists such as Zion & Lennox, Rauw Alejandro, RaiNao, Jowell & Randy, and more. Next month he’ll release his EP statement project Kintsugi, named after the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, thus highlighting the damage in a way that embraces the imperfections. Made up of four tracks, the first single is “Apa” and features burgeoning alt-R&B singer Matt Louis crooning after the object of his affection over a syncopated drum beat and ethereal melodies. Upcoming singles will include both established and further rising artists, all under Rivera’s solo care. — Juan J. Arroyo
Melenas - "K2"
At first, it would seem that Spain’s Melenas have betrayed their power pop roots in favor of something more sophisticated. However, a closer listen tells a different story. Following their experimental leanings, the foursome rides a motorik beat, relying on layers rather than chord progressions for excitement. Elsewhere, analog synths provide textures, and their sing-songy vocals give the track personality. “K2” wears its influence on its sleeve, resembling a very catchy Stereolab b-side that never was. However, the band injects their signature melodic streak unexpectedly, giving the track a catchiness that is hard to imitate. — Marcos Hassan
Tássia Reis - “Ofício de Cantante”
Looking for an artist with range? Try Tássia Reis. Whether it’s soul, hip-hop, house, drill, or R&B, the Brazilian artist knocks it out of the park every time, and she throws another curve ball with a full-on samba track. “Ofício de Cantante” nods to her Black roots and the music she grew up with, giving us tradition with a contemporary flair. She stands on the shoulders of the genre’s giants and even pays her respects to some of them, like Leci Brandão, Jovelina Pérola Negra, and Fundo de Quintal. – Cheky
Trillones - “Hamster Cleptómano”
Since the release of his adventurous 2022 LP Música Para Estadios de Tercera División, Trillones has been on an introspective journey, oscillating between ruminant ambient collaborations and earnest love songs. Well, the age of contemplation is over. On his latest single, “Hamster Cleptómano,” the Mexicali producer foots the gas on the BPMs and a deranged concept about a hamster with sticky fingers. Did Trillones get scammed by a rodent? Is this a metaphor for capitalism? Who knows, but the beat is a throbbing dembow-meets-house track that will have you shaking ass first and asking questions later. – Richard Villegas