Axolotes Mexicanos - :3 (2021) Hi-Res

Madrid-based group Axolotes Mexicanos upgraded their punky indie pop sound to something much more future-shocked and neon-streaked with their incredible 2018 full-length Salu2. After regaining a founding member (guitarist/bassist Stephen Lyne) and adding two more guitarists (Mario del Valle and Lucas de la Iglesia), the band trickled out a few singles before releasing their full-length :3 in 2021. The album's production somewhat dials down the PC Music-style giddiness a bit, but it's still a sugary rush of chiptune synths, J-pop melodies, and pop-punk catchiness. As ever, the deceptively sweet-sounding music masks the often brutal lyrics about anxiety, self-loathing, and missing someone badly in spite of not being able to tolerate their presence. A few moments are closer to pure joy, such as "Vergüenza," which is about being happy to have a former crush as a true friend, without any pressure to be in a romantic relationship. But then there's "Que Te Pires," which describes being extremely thankful to be rid of someone, and hoping they die. For the most part, though, the group seem to have gotten over writing about stalking and revenge fantasies. Instead, there's a lot of songs about loneliness, and being stuck at home reminiscing about the past. It's hard to tell whether this is inspired by pandemic lockdown restrictions or simply growing older and having less energy to go out and be around people. A few songs even drift away from the band's usual speedy tempos, such as the dramatic chiptune power ballad "De Aquí A Un Año" and the partially acoustic "Gotelé." Tracks like the crunchy pop-punk of "Verano En Espiral" are more direct, and "Te Quiero (...)" thrillingly switches between jangly indie pop and snappy punk. The album is bookended by the goofy marching band theme "Opening" and the glammy "Ending," a singalong with a car crash in the middle, both of which suggest that Axolotes Mexicanos are ripe for their own twisted cartoon series.