Born in Mexico City and now based in Chicago, Nico Play has spent a long period of time figuring out how to profoundly connect with his culture through his dreamy soundscape. Today he’s done just that through a spellbinding work of art.

His EP Desilusión is a bare and honest expression of who he is as both an artist and a person. Pulling in elements from his culture, from family traditions to the iconic Latin guitar riffs, the EP is an ode to his culture. Entirely acoustic and leaning heavily into the folk sphere, this project is something best experienced in a church. His delicate voice cascades a wave of emotion down upon you with his intricate guitar melodies forming an intimate backing, creating a timeless piece in the process.

However it’s the track La Ciruela that stood out to me. From the offset this gives me flashbacks to classic Mexican musician Pedro Infante. His honey drizzled vocal trickles across the sublime guitar melodies that wrap you up in a warm embrace, this track makes me want to fawn over everything he does. If you ever get a chance to see him perform this live you need to jump at it with both hands, projects like this don’t come around too often.

Nico Play is a standout talent who’s music will be in my heavy rotation for weeks to come.