Ears Wide Open: Los Retros

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Los Retros (Photo by Lupe Soto)

Nineteen-year-old Mauri Tapia makes psychedelic soul music under the very apt name Los Retros, drawing largely from spongey ’70s pop-rock for a sound that’s close to the “Chicano wavy-soul” of currently popular Latinx artists.

A first-generation Mexican-American from Oxnard, Tapia grew up listening to the bands in his parents’ record collection, such as Los Freddys, Los Terricolas, Los Ángeles Negros (he chose the name Los Retros to honor the latter). Los Retros struck gold immediately with the first single he released for Stones Throw Records, the genteel guitar meditation “Someone to Spend Time With.” He followed with the EP “Retrospect,” which showcased his DIY skills, deceptively tricky song structures and easy-schmeezy, lovelorn vibe.

And, yes, the cover art for his new EP “Everlasting” depicts the artist lying down on a rooftop, chilling and enjoying the breeze. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the single “New Humanity,” with its airy vocals, twinkling keys and whistling synth. Pull up a seat.

“Everlasting” is out Thursday.

||| Stream: “New Humanity”

||| Also: Stream the “Retrospect” EP in its entirety

||| Also: Watch the video for “Someone to Spend time With”