Índigo are one of the better known alternative rock bands operating from within Puerto Rico’s independent music scene, thanks in large part to the group’s polished sound and presentation.

Taking its musical queues from popular modern rock acts both local (Robi “Draco” Rosa) and international (The Raconteurs, Radiohead), the group’s identity has largely fallen on singer Xavier “Xavo” Rodríguez’s hushed, melodic approach, which usually leads listeners into explosive sing-along choruses.

“Amor Es Extraño”, the lead up single to Índigo’s second full-length release “Mundo A Color” (due later in the year) subverts fans’ expectations by having Xavo try on some new vocal influences and ticks during the song’s verses.

These are delivered in short staccato bursts that recall a funkier Gustavo Cerati (of legendary Argentinean band Soda Stereo, whose guitar sound the band is cribbing here too) and provide a welcomed change of pace for the band before landing on a whispery chorus that is classic Índigo.

The video, beautifully shot by Alberik Lázaga under director Raymond O’Brien, features Puerto Rican actors Marisé Alvarez Hernández and Gabriel Leyva Primer working through a stormy relationship for us onscreen — a fitting visual companion to the song’s themes.

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Photo: Jason Mills

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