Málaga-based trio chinachinachina are quietly rewriting the rules of alternative music with their debut album, dive in / breathe out. Blending dream rock, contemporary R&B, and subtle electronic textures, the band’s sound is simultaneously expansive and intimate, proving that the Spanish scene has plenty to offer beyond traditional hip-hop and pop crossover.
The album is split into two movements: dive in, which navigates emotional turbalence, and breathe out, which offers moments of release and clarity. Annie Bravo’s velvety vocals float above Juande Jiménez’s intricate rhythms and Javier Moral’s shimmering synths and guitar lines, creating a hypnotic soundscape that resonates with emotional honesty.
Production plays a central role in the album’s impact. Grammy-nominated John Foyle and Rotterdam-based Mucky lend their expertise, shaping a sound that balances restraint and intensity. Every beat, pause, and arrangement feels deliberate, encouraging listeners to lean in.
While echoes of London Grammar, The xx, or Wild Beasts are detectable, chinachinachina’s music never feels derivative. Instead, it asserts a unique voice that feels global and genre-fluid, making it an unexpected but welcome fit for playlists that span alternative R&B, indie and electronic grooves.
For listeners who crave depth, texture, and honesty in a world of fast, disposable releases, chinachinachina debut album is a must listen.