By opening with a blusterous rhythm, Emi Pop’s ‘No Puedo Dormir’ is a track that immediately grabs the listener’s attention. The sharply delivered drums and bass set up a great punky rhythm during the intro, but the number is actually far more melodic than first impressions suggest.
Bringing in a jubilant ringing guitar, the punky edge gives way to a really forthright power pop sound, which is shared even more effectively during the number’s coda when a second guitar drops in with a ringing and rather bright sounding countermelody. Between these two musical points, the rest of the number is equally impressive: the bass continues to pump out a punky groove, the vocals add a bubblegum-ish quality that adds a layer of fun, a simple lead guitar break sharing a descending melody leans upon a little garage rock, and the main melody takes in a very 90s influence, and should appeal to those who devoured news regarding the latest power pop and indie releases from the pages of NME back in the day, and the . With a definite Shonen Knife quality, the music allows the listener to be transported to a place that immediately feels positive and almost carefree, to the point where even a Spanish lyric does not hamper any enjoyment, even for the non-Spanish speaking audience members.
Since breaking onto the scene in 2023, Emi Pop has steadily built a following, helped no end by a commitment to live work, which has seen the artist share stages with ex-Sonic Youth legend Kim Gordon, cult garage rock musician Ty Segall and The Moldy Peaches’ Kimya Dawson.
As an extra point of interest, particularly for pop punk fans, this single was mastered at Sonic Iguana studios by the almost legendary Mass Giorgini, a man whom has been permanently busy since the 90s. Punk audiences will know him as a member of Screeching Weasel, Common Rider and Squirtgun, but his work as a producer and studio engineer far exceeds his time actually playing with bands. You’ll find his work credited on a number of essential punk releases, including albums by Teen Idles, the Methadones, Groovie Ghoulies, Rise Against, Alkaline Trio, Riverdales and many others. It almost goes without saying that he’s made this Emi Pop single sound absolutely terrific.
Take a listen below.