Song of the Day: Los Waldners - Papalotes

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. This week, all Song of the Day podcast songs have been selected by DJ Chilly, host of El Sonido, bringing you fresh, contemporary flavors from the diverse Latin alternative scene. Today’s song is “Papalotes” by Los Waldners from the 2014 self-released album Eclipse Total Del Corazón.

Los Waldners - Papalotes (MP3)

Named after the incomprehensibly great Swedish table tennis player Jan-Ove Waldner, and hailing from San Jose, Costa Rica, Los Waldners are ready to invade the world's music scene with their infectious pop songs. Borrowing the name from Bonnie Tyler's hit, Eclipse Total Del Corazón, their stirring debut album, is a collection of songs exploring the theme of love.No strings attached, "Papalotes," Spanish for "kites," is an apt title for a song about lovers straying. The guitar in the track's complex, and the lyricism of frontman Luis Carballo acts as a positive accompaniment for their instrumentation. Never do either become too indulgent, and both the tones of the singing and the chords teeter between poetic splendor and disillusioned heart-break. In terms of evocative music, Los Waldners do a wonderful job expressing their interest in the melancholic nature of love, the two sounds intertwining like lovers' legs beneath the sheets.

Follow Los Waldners on Facebook and Twitter, and watch their music video documenting the ups-and-downs of relationships here.