Video: Playa Gótica - "Fuego"

Playa Gótica’s first entry was a seismic breakup song that went unrivaled by anything else out of the pop Iberosphere in 2015. If Ana Gabriel wrote a track with the gothic icon Alaska, then perhaps “Reptil no gentil” would be its reimagined tribute. Since their explosive debut the Chilean group has remained relatively quiet, allowing them to refine their sound and build our expectations to near insane levels. It’s only fitting then that Playa Gótica’s comeback would also inspire us to return to our blogging duties.

“Fuego” moves the band forward with an updated version of the previously released song along with a new clip directed by Bernardo Quesney. Set in the woods and surrounded by mountains, the video contains a star making performance by singer Fanny Leona. She easily steals the spotlight with her restless presence and energy. The intercut shots where she struts along bathed in a Lynchean lens are easy contenders for our favorite mv images this year. On its own “Fuego” brought moody guitars and bass grooves that were not hard to love instantly. Thanks to its visual, one is now opened up to more anthemic layers and lovelorn chaos. #FlameEmoji.

Video: Luciana Tagliapietra - "Tormenta"

Chilean visionary director Bernardo Quesney has been on a roll lately, releasing one impressive clip after another. First it was for fellow countryman Pedropiedra (“Para Ti”), then for Uruguay’s current MVP band Carmen Sandiego ("Ocupaciones y Oficios"), and now he’s visualized the melodic scope of Argentine songstress, Luciana Tagliapietra. These nation-hoping ventures by Quesney are not only standouts for his pedigree, but also speak of the existent (yet often unnoticed) brotherhood and collaboration amongst the different indie scenes of the continent. “Tormenta,” is the first single off Tagliapietra’s latest record, La Luna. The clip starts outlining the singer’s silhouette against a backdrop of smoke and steam. Her breaking of the fourth wall is quickly empowered by way of neon lights. A classical, beautiful way for music to acquire visibility. Maybe a bit discrete compared to the image-packed offerings Quesney has accustomed us to, but restraint proves to be effective when visualizing Tagliapietra’s soulful voice with affection and grace.

Video: Pedropiedra - "Para Ti"

Pedropiedra has made the weirdest choices picking the promotional singles from his third record, Emanuel. “Para Ti” is perhaps the least hipster-friendly track the Chilean artist has ever made. Despite the obtrusiveness of those gipsy chords and choruses, “Para Ti” is still witty enough to work as an attraction. While the single (anti-single?) will hardly earn Pedro new fans, it's a song that's hard to overlook. Bernardo Quesney (who took the top honor on our Best Music Videos of 2013) has helmed a beautiful meta-clip about that has made the track much less alienating (hence the universal attraction of fútbol). The amount of subjects, stories, and film techniques Quesney has effortlessly transfixed here is truly remarkable. The singer fondness to the competitive human spirit and the director’s fixation with the struggle/physicality of sports add up to one very pleasing visual piece.