Avalon Lurks - “Papi Chulo”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 5

Pairs Well With…Girl Ultra, Omar Apollo, Kali Uchis

Bilingual indie pop artist Avalon Lurks adds mysterious depth to her danceable grooves on 2019 single “Papi Chulo”, a track that combines chillwave atmospherics with R&B/hip hop leaning rhythms and melodies in a fresh way. The dream-funk atmosphere of “Papi Chulo” is intoxicating and sexy, a tone that matches the flowing, laid back vocal lines of the California artist’s latest offering. While “Papi Chulo” is acting as a de facto re-debut on streaming platforms, Avalon Lurks does have a bit of a back-catalog on Soundclound/YouTube which run the gamut from new wave propulsion (“deadbeat boy”) to dark bedroom rock (“downhill together”), but this newer sound is a leap forward and a sign to keep an ear out for this evolving local artist. (Kevin McStravick)