Mexico City Blondes - “Addio”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 5

Pairs Well With…Wild Belle, Sylvan Esso, Wet

California duo Mexico City Blondes explore trip-hop R&B and electro-pop on their mysteriously sweeping debut full-length Blush, a dreamy, impressionist record built of dynamic electronic soundscapes and percussion. While dealing in ambient spaces, Mexico City Blondes twist expectations by maintaining a full, almost visceral, sound throughout Blush, broadening instead of receding into such internalized music. Down-tempo grooves are thicker, vocal melodies a little more cinematic - Blush is a record both beautiful and interesting, calm and rewarding. (Kevin McStravick)

2019 Review: Their sound is surprisingly full for the form, naturally combining alt rock modes with electro pop beats and soundscapes. That’s really where Mexico City Blondes keep constant interest, instead of fading out into the tonal core of their sound, they add dynamic, sectioned songwriting to their spaced-out foundation. The result can be borderline power pop or industrial electro-pop at times, bubbling with energy before letting sounds fade to move vocals and minimal beats front and center. Mexico City Blondes’ ability to balance calm waters with these creative sonic details is impressive, turning the ‘dream’ in their dream pop into something more abstract with catchy, hooky vibes that power their music.