Música, gramática, gimnasia

Floaty electro pop is for the world, as it turns out. Rounding up the 3.5

A throwback to 80s synthpop in a modern indie pop package, with some 70s disco throwback too, Dënver are very adept at making clean and satisfying synth sounds, with a hint of twee in there. All of these songs are packed with catchy hooks, making it a fun album to boogie along to. There are some songs that utilised more acoustic instruments but I don't find these songs to be as interesting as the synth heavy stuff.

I do find it a little flat however, it's very serviceable indie pop but I've heard enough of this kind of music and this doesn't really distinguish itself outside of being Chilean. It also really starts to drag towards the end. As hinted at earlier, I think they're at their best when making more dance pop music, which only occupies a small portion of the album. Overall I don't really find it interesting enough and given how upfront the music is I doubt repeat listens will improve my opinion.

Should it be in the main list: I mean I wouldn't add it but it's better than a lot of the post-2005 albums there as well as giving Latin America some much needed representation.

Top 3 songs: Olas Gigantes, Lo Que Quieras, Diane Keaton

First track is a laid back bop. This was such a pleasant album.

For me this is a bit of a split experience. On first listen, several tracks immediately stood out. “Lo Que Quieras,” “Los Adolescentes,” and “Litoral Central” are genuinely strong, catchy indie-pop songs.

But over repeated listens, some of the shine fades. The album leans heavily on the 80s synth-pop revival sound that defined a lot of indie in that era. At times it works, but just as often it feels tied too closely to its moment, with certain songs drifting into the background.

The contrast between upbeat music and more dramatic lyrical themes adds some depth. Still, that balance isn’t consistent enough across the album.

In the end, it’s an enjoyable and well-made record with a handful of highlights, but one that feels a bit too rooted in its time to fully stand out.

Possibly the first Chilean album I have listened to, but probably not the last. Lovely sunny indie, with lyrics that sound lovely, even if I don’t speak enough Spanish to fully appreciate them!