Salsa music, electronic music, Björk, Charli XCX, FKA Twigs, Fiona Apple, and Rosalía – Latin art pop group Alma Muñeca defy the concept of genre.
Alma Muñeca (roughly translated to “Soul of a Doll” in English) is a 4-piece group based in Austin, TX. Formed in 2024, the band is led by Cocó Allegra and produced by Ernesto Grey (Font, Farmer’s Wife, Loveme, The Opera, etc), along with Matt Russell and Wade Stephens. Their debut 5-song EP, “Deseo Un Brillo” (roughly translating to “I Wish For A Shine”), is a sparkly yet brooding, dreamlike record, perfect for the goth dancefloor.
Cocó, a Panamanian immigrant who grew up in Mexico, settled in Austin four years ago. It wasn’t until she met collaborator Ernesto that she fully committed to writing and performing live. The band’s goal is to uplift the queer and Latino community through the group’s exhilarating live performances.
The second single, “Anhelo” (translated to “Longing” in English), is a raucous, joyous symphony of synth noise, but hooky enough to be the most memorable song on the record. Much like the rest of the EP, it’s complemented by four-on-the-floor beats crafted for the club, but with vulnerable lyrics whispered longingly into your ears – perfect for headphones, too.
With honest stories of love and love lost, Alma Muñeca fills the room with interesting synth sounds, electronic drum production, and ethereal vocals, featuring lyrics sung in Allegra’s native Spanish language.
“Toca me / Mente, mente / Tu voz / En mi miente,” she chimes on “Anhelo.”
“Te muero / Cuerpo y cuerpo / Yo esta anhelo.” The song then begins to burst at the seams with an explosive, dissonant synth line.
The album was written during a period of heartbreak, Allegra explained:
“How can I feel so passionate and loving about someone yet also feel so much confusion, anger, and sadness about them too? I wrote this trying to find answers, to heal, and to manifest self-confidence.”
Producer Grey, who also grew up in Mexico, said he feels this music is authentic to him and the band:
“It feels like I’ve been working toward producing music like this my whole life,” he says. “Growing up, I listened to 2000s Latin pop with rock instrumentation. Later, in Austin, I was inspired by electronic innovators like Trent Reznor, Thom Yorke, and Jon Hopkins. With Alma Muñeca, I’m exploring an ethereal and introspective sound that still feels pop but challenges boundaries.”
With this EP, the unique Latin alternative music of Alma Muñeca arrives fully formed. We look forward to seeing what they do next and hope for a full-length record in the near future. Meanwhile, you can catch Alma Muñeca at Elysium tomorrow, Saturday, October 25, for the “Deseo Un Brillo” EP Release Celebration.
Stream Music by Alma Muñeca: https://linktr.ee/almamuneca
Tickets for Alma Muñeca on Friday, October 25, at Elysium are available at the club entry for $12.
Support: Almost Heaven and I Wear Your Chain
Doors: 8:00 p.m.
Show: 9:00 p.m.
Feature photo at top by Preston Rolls.
