Carlos Marco - Sugar

Buy Sugar here (iTunes Spain)

I miss Spanish boy band Auryn. They may not have had success over here in good ol' Blighty, but their 5 year run of increasingly addictive singles and albums always kept me entertained. I liked that, often, their album tracks were just as single worthy as the songs they actually did choose (for example, Pillow Talk and If This Were My Last Song? Just as fine as Electric and Breathe Into The Light - the latter song remains one of the finest boy band songs of recent years). For now, the lads are taking a One Direction style break, which means plenty of opportunity for solo material. It is always a careful balance, releasing a post-boy band solo single. Too close to the sound of the group that made you famous and fans may wonder why there aren't the four other guys singing along with you. Too far from this sound and you risk alienating the very same set of people. Luckily, Carlos Marco has pitched it just right with his debut solo single, Sugar. He's crafted a pop confection with this instantly addictive track that is full of percolating grooves, disco drenched rhythms and a refrain that gives an endorphin rush to the brain. Carlos throws himself into a narrative that is about an all consuming passion for a person you meet that you have an instant connection with - you can hear the longing in his voice during the sensuous verses, and taste the exhilaration in the soaring chorus. He's surrounded by a down and dirty bassline that compels you to shimmy to the dance floor, while a cavalcade of textured percussion, synths and electro-effects dizzy your senses and make you surrender to the irresistible charm of the song. You'll be singing it all the live long day after just one listen, a slave to the intoxicating effect the song has on you. A sterling start for Carlos - I can't wait to see what he comes up with next. Play loud, play often and surrender to the sweet, sweet sounds you hear.