Jawli – “Diez años tarde” – as easy on the ear, as it is captivating to the soul!

If you’re on the lookout for fresh, vibrant pop music that oozes Latin charm and packs a punch of nostalgia, then Jawli is the band for you! Abraham and Rodolfo, the masterminds behind this exciting new group, have set their sights on a lofty goal: to bring the vibrant culture of Latin pop to the masses. With their mesmerizing melodies and silky smooth vocals, Jawli’s music is the perfect mix of relaxation and elegance. Their captivating soundscapes, brimming with eloquent guitar riffs, will transport you to a world of pure bliss, evoking those treasured memories of a past love or a cherished place.

But Jawli doesn’t just stop at producing unforgettable music – they also aim to spread happiness and joy with every note they play. Whether it’s the taste of a delicious ice cream or a long-forgotten memory, their songs are imbued with the power to transport you to a place of pure happiness. As we await the release on April 16^th of a new version of Jawli’s most popular song called “Veracruz”, we took a dive into their EP, “Diez años tarde”, which translates to “Ten years later”.

The EP opens with the effervescent track, entitled “Cursi” leaning on the strummed guitar and mellifluous vocals. The lyrics are full of longing, nostalgia, and self-deprecation. The song tells the story of a person who still remembers the moments when their lover was solely theirs, and despite the fact that the lover is now with someone else, they still cling onto the hope that they provide some sort of comfort to them. The narrator admits to being “cursi,” a word in Spanish that means cheesy, corny, or even tacky. They know that their interests and personality make them a target for bullying and ridicule, but they still embrace who they are.

The song “Yoko” is performed in English, and is a commentary on the reckless and consuming nature of teenage love, with a sense of awareness of its impermanence and potential for hurt. The verses describe the passion and intensity of the relationship, with lines such as “I’m like a drug in your veins” and “We’re always in bed, who cares?” painting a picture of a consuming physical attraction. The repeated refrain of “Don’t fall in love, we’re only seventeen” is both a cautionary statement and an acknowledgement of the youthful and carefree nature of the relationship. The repeated addressing of a former lover suggests a desire for forgiveness and closure, while the repeated refrain of “Don’t fall in love” serves as a warning to the listener to approach love with caution and a sense of awareness.

The EP also features the original version of “Veracruz” – a beautiful and poetic song that paints a vivid picture of a fleeting and enigmatic love. Sung in Spanish, the lyrics describe the singer’s encounter with someone who they saw coming like the waves of Veracruz, but who then disappeared just as quickly. The combination of salt and water is a fatal mix that the speaker cannot understand, as they cannot comprehend the other person’s flow.

The chorus repeats the lines “I couldn’t find you anymore, where will you be, fleeting wave? Let yourself be caught, you come and go like the sea.” These words capture the longing and the mystery of the encounter, as the singer tries to make sense of their feelings and the other person’s elusive nature. The song is developed on a gentle swinging rhythmic backdrop, which Jawli creates with sophisticated ear-catching melodies and smoothly resonating guitar motifs.

“My Valentine” forges another English performance by Jawli, which express the desire for a romantic connection in the moment, despite the uncertainty of what the future may hold. The repeated lines “If our eyes collide, would you stay tonight? Baby don’t think twice, we’re like dynamite” suggest a mutual attraction that feels explosive and powerful, and the chorus emphasizes that this could be the last chance for them to be together, hence the urgency to seize the moment.

The lyrics use contrasting descriptions of the two individuals – one is described as “a little funky girl” and the other as “a melancholic boy” – to highlight the differences between them. However, despite these differences, they are drawn to each other and seem to share a connection that transcends surface-level appearances. The chord progressions used in the song, are both vivacious and expansive for an immersive listening experience.

This is followed by “Anhelo de Infinito”, a beautiful and emotional song that explores the pain and longing that comes with letting go of a love that cannot be salvaged. The lyrics are poetic and poignant, painting a vivid picture of the struggles and heartache that the speaker is experiencing.

The song begins with the lines “You say the color of my eyes / Accelerates your demons.” Here, the singer is acknowledging that their very presence is a source of pain and temptation for their lover. The next lines, “I feel the pain / Impregnating our breath,” suggest that the singer is also deeply affected by this doomed relationship.

The chorus of the song is particularly powerful, with its repetition of the lines “The desire is not enough / To repair the sea / You can’t find the words / And you think about looking back.” Here, the Jawli is expressing the futility of trying to fix what is broken, and the overwhelming sense of loss and regret that comes with it.

The EP closes with another English interpretation. “Ice Cream” is a sweet and charming love song that captures the feeling of being completely enamored with someone, despite knowing that the relationship may not last forever. The song’s lyrics are simple and straightforward, but they are filled with emotion and longing. The opening lines recite, “My dear, my mind is ready to / Tell you goodbye / But my heart… / My heart / Just wanna stay with you / Another night,” immediately setting the tone for the rest of the song. The singer is torn between their head and their heart, knowing that they should say goodbye but unable to resist the pull of their feelings for their lover.

Six songs deep, “Diez años tarde” is enough to offer a comprehensive panorama of Jawli’s skillset and overall musical aesthetic. Their sound is as easy on the ear, as it is captivating to the soul. I now eagerly await the new version of “Veracruz”, which you can pre-save here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jawli/veracruz-en-bolero