Divino Nino Foam Orange Vinyl Edition

There's undeniable songwriting chemistry between Medina and bassist Javier Forero, who met as kids in Bogotá, Colombia and years later reconnected by sheer happenstance after their families had both moved to Miami. Now Chicagoans, and joined by guitarist Guillermo Rodriguez and drummer Pierce Codina, the rhythmic, soulful -- and at times bilingual -- Latinx punk songs of Divino Niño are a reflection of their continent-spanning bond and proof that the band couldn't have formed without unlikely but happy coincidences. The ten tracks on "Foam" feature silky harmonies from Medina, Rodriguez, and Forero, wistfully romantic lyrics, and sunny, honeyed arrangements. The quartet's Latin American roots seep in throughout the LP, but especially on single "Maria," which is sung entirely in Spanish and inspired in equal parts by Argentine punk and the narratives of Mexican telenovelas. There are sonic touchstones that are fun to spot like the pristine City Pop-indebted production flourishes (it's not a stretch to guess the title "Plastic Love" is a Mariya Takeuchi nod) and the subtle shoegaze of "B@d Luck." But really, Foam is a love letter to Chicago's vibrant music scene. To the band, immersing themselves in shows with acts like Bunny, Glyders, and Parent crystallized how the city can and should feel like a musical home. In fact, the band even recruited an all-star list of local collaborators like Justin Vittori (Knox Fortune, Grapetooth) who provided keys and auxiliary percussion while Luke Henry played slide guitar. Twin Peaks' collaborator Andrew Humphrey helped mix the LP while others like Paul Cherry, Twin Peaks' Colin Croom, and Mild High Club's Matt Roberts lent a helping hand with production. Though Foam is the product of so many personalities, backstories, and influences that cross genres and geographical lines, Divino Niño has managed to create something that feels truly fresh and uniquely them.