Bucles Infinitos

The duo behind Linda Guilala, Iván and Eva, used to be the core of Juniper Moon, a very good pop-punk band that released one excellent record for Elefant in 2002. While they leave behind a little of the punk part of the equation for a slightly more measured approach on their debut album, Bucles Infinitos, there is no shortage of hummable melodies and fun songs. The record is filled with the kind of cheerful, smiley pop that would have made perfect sense in a '90s teen movie. Think Letters to Cleo with more bite or the trio from the Josie and the Pussycats film singing in Spanish. Eva has a sweet, sincere voice and the duo surrounds it with bubbling keyboards and gently distorted guitars that fit perfectly. The album is balanced between slow dance ballads, peppy rockers, and midtempo dreamers, and no matter the tempo the hooks are always sharp and sink in deeply. The only complaint is that the record could have used a little more mess around the edges; it’s so cleanly produced that you want to reach in and muss it up a little from time to time. Still, it’s a minor complaint and with songs as catchy as “Saber Perder,” "Protagonista Central,” and “Nadie Se Dará Cuentato,” naming the first three to come to mind, the record can’t help but be a success. Chalk up another victory for the mighty Elefant records crew; everything they touch turns to pop gold.