Francis Pérez’s second EP as La Tortuga China is a concept record largely informed by the artist’s professional practice as a clinical psychologist.
“Fantasma” was produced by Eduardo Cabra (Visitante of Calle 13 fame), who was recently awarded the Latin Grammy for Producer of the Year.
♪♫ Listen: “Centinela del Vacío” + album stream
Sr. Langosta’s sophomore release, “El Experimento Caribeño”, is a powerful jazz fusion record featuring twelve Puerto Rican musicians led by guitarist and main composer Jorge Andrés Ferreras.
Together they weave a rich tapestry of sounds throughout six original tunes that playfully challenge listeners’ expectations.
♪♫ Listen: “Electrik-Tukumn” + album stream
“Tejido de Laurel” is the debut album by up-and-coming singer-songwriter, Andrea Cruz.
It is full of lovely acoustic songs with indie folk leanings that help showcase Andrea’s lush, warm voice.
♪♫ Listen: “Canción de Amargura” + album stream
As close to a supergroup as you might expect from a small independent music scene, Clarias delivered the heavy metal goods on its debut EP, “La Venganza de la Calva”.
Fronted by queer indie-pop superstar singer Fofé Abreu, the band showcased new ways to make our dark lords proud by testing the boundaries of traditional metal.
♪♫ Listen: “Cachalote Varado” + album stream
Clarias on Facebook.
Heading into their 25th anniversary, Puerto Rican punk stalwarts La Experiencia de Toñito Cabanilla$$$ dropped their fifth record, “Inadaptable” last year.
Produced by local punk royalty José Ibáñez (Tropiezo, Juventud Crasa), it was an important reminder of the local DIY scene’s roots.
♪♫ Listen: “La Implosión de los Listos” + album stream
Buscabulla’s “EP II” is the pop duo’s self-produced, wintry cousin to their lush, tropical debut EP.
Highlights include “Tártaro”, a love letter to 80’s salsa superstar Frankie Ruiz, and “Frío”, a duet with young, latin, and proud singer and producer Helado Negro.
♪♫ Listen: “Tártaro” + album stream
On Prettiest Eyes sophomore LP, “Pools”, the garage rock trio is noisier than ever, its psychedelic tendencies up-front and center.
Castle Face head honcho and garage rock royalty John Dwyer of Thee Oh Sees put out the record on vinyl, praising the band online in a message to fans.
♪♫ Listen: “Don’t Call” + album stream
“El Futuro” is AJ Dávila’s third and best solo record to date, after his previous group, beloved garage rockers Dávila 666, decided to call it quits.
Produced by Sergio Acosta of Mexican alt-rock superstars Zoé, its radio-ready pop-sheen might trick you into having fun while listening, even if the lyrics remain as lovelorn and dark as ever.
♪♫ Listen: “Mi Vida (ft. Dënver)” + album stream
Moreira’s debut LP “Fin del Deseo” carefully straddles the line between moody electro-pop and hard-hitting rockers.
A headphone record, it’s lush soundscapes slowly reveal themselves through repeated listenings.
♪♫ Listen: “La Vorágine” + album stream
“IIII + IIII” (pronounced “Edgy-Og-Beh”) is the result of ÌFÉ’s bold fusion of classic Caribbean sounds like the Cuban Rumba, Sacred Yoruba praise songs, Jamaican Dancehall, and American R&B.
The electronic ensemble eschews programming for live interpretations using digital equipment, imbuing their spiritual salvoes with added human warmth and texture.
♪♫ Listen: “3 Mujeres (Iború Iboya Ibosheshé)” + album stream