As a teenager back in 2015, Omar Banos – known as Cuco – emerged with a tender voice and atmospheric, introspective bedroom pop. While this second album is rooted in exploring his inner world, it also finds the Mexican American singer-songwriter and producer more exacting in his sound. Occasionally, things can feel a little sanguine. The narration on the opening track framing this as a concept album is somewhat corny, while Aura’s refrain of “Do you wanna come home with me/ Do you wanna get lost with me tonight?” borders on cloying.
Mainly, though, this is a confident record that takes Tame Impala-esque psych stylings to a place that is brash, playful and romantic. Cuco channels Mexican norteño music on the softly buoyant Sitting in the Corner, featuring Kacey Musgraves. Elsewhere, there’s Artificial Intelligence, with its daydreamy lyrics over kitschy clouds of saxophone; the kaleidoscopic Sweet Dissociation, with its scuzzy but shimmering guitars; the intoxicating bass on slick dance number Foolish; and a wistful duet with Mexican artist Bratty on Fin del Mundo. All told, a plush, varied and deftly conceived reverie.
