Luna Luna Takes a Dance-Pop Approach to their Latin Roots in "Una Vez Más"
2024 has been a busy year for Luna Luna. The quartet played SXSW in April, went on a headline tour in September and October, and released their first single of the year, “something bout u” in September. Their momentum is only picking up with the release of their first single fully in Spanish, “Una Vez Más”.
Hailing from Texas, Luna Luna has never shied away from their Latin roots. Previous tracks, including “Talk Too Much” and “Commitment," combine their signature synth-pop sound with lyrics in both English and Spanish. “Una Vez Más” goes one step further, with exclusively Spanish lyrics and traditional cumbia rhythms. Cumbia originated in Colombia so it’s no surprise that Luna Luna, with their Colombian-born lead singer Kavvi Gonzalez, would choose this style for their first all Spanish single.
“Una Vez Más” combines Luna Luna’s familiar synth sound with the traditional drum and guacharaca sounds found in many cumbia songs. The Latin beat really takes off in the first chorus and continues throughout the rest of the song. Gonzalez’s smooth and clear voice blends perfectly with the instruments backing it. The song’s lyrics focus on the aftermath of a relationship. The disorienting feeling when you first see your ex and to your surprise, and perhaps even frustration, they look as good as ever. But there is the other side as well; they aren’t going to find something as good as the relationship they had with you. Despite the complex and emotional lyrics, it’s impossible not to dance along to the traditional instruments and rhythms.
Luna Luna’s respect and celebration of their culture has always been a part of their music, but “Una Vez Más” takes this appreciation to another level.
