4ever

by Axolotes Mexicanos

Overview

Madrid's Axolotes Mexicanos specialize in sugary, electro-charged indie pop with lyrics expressing extreme loneliness and romantic obsession. 4ever is similar in spirit to :3, the band's 2021 album, which seemed to channel pandemic lockdown ennui and the increasing social anxiety that comes with growing older. On this record, the group still deliver pop-punk sugar rushes, but they also cool off more frequently than before, with a few more acoustic-based numbers and a mellow bossa nova tune closing out the set. "Cuidar a nadie" is a slower, more introspective song about not knowing how to take care of one's self and missing happiness. The jazzy swing of the lushly arranged "miau miau" lightens up the mood a bit, and the more ballad-like "Incendio" expresses devotion to a partner. The uptempo songs still make the biggest impression, however, and the group continue to excel at crunchy pop-punk riddled with glitches and chiptune melodies, even if the production isn't as overloaded as it was on Salu2. The anthemic "La cancio¿n que escribiste" has a message of not giving up even if it seems like nobody cares. "ROSAS y ESPINAS" (featuring Aiko el grupo) is so catchy it's dizzying, packing Game Boy pings, wailing guitar solos, and spiky melodies into two and a half minutes. The breezy, blippy "Domingo" details barhopping and dealing with hangovers, and the bright synth-punk rager "Amarre" mentions a love spell, a warning from a witch, and a death pact. The appropriately tropical-sounding "Himawari" is from the metaphorical perspective of a plant that needs sunlight. The jangly "Al amanecer" is a gleeful high point without being one of the album's brashest, most intense tracks. Like other Axolotes Mexicanos records, the music on 4ever is often highly entertaining, but the lyrics hit even harder. ~ Paul Simpson

Product Details

Release Date:	07/05/2024
Label:	Elefant Spain
UPC:	8428846112930
Rank:	86522