From Grand Rapids, Michigan, Dariell Cano is a part of this generation’s new wave of teens that are currently redefining Mexican music genres. His genre in particular can be described as “indie sierreño,” putting an innovative dreamy and indie spin on the classic sierreño genre.
At only 18 years old, Dariell has garnered a great amount of success with his music, having multiple songs hit over a million streams on Spotify. This includes songs like “Espinas De Rosas” and “Viernes Nublados.”
Having reached over 150k monthly listeners on Spotify, Cano has truly mastered the art of storytelling. And with his latest EP alivio released on June 30th, he invites everyone into a world full of different emotions. He narrates a story I think we recognize all too well; falling in love. As the EP's title translates to relief, Cano explains that it was motivated by the relief he felt writing these songs, all of which are based on personal experiences.
Although the EP fully delivers in its soft, dreamy, and indie essence, its subtle hint of Cano's Mexican roots, combined with hard-hitting lyrics that reflect on the ups and downs of a relationship, truly make this record shine. It really represents Cano's continued maturity in songwriting and vocal delivery, something that has his listeners coming back for more.
The EP has been highly anticipated since Dariell released the first single, “Este Sentimiento” in January, a popular fan favorite since its release. With such a calming melody and rhythm, it truly feels like this song slows down time. The song dives into the first feelings of falling in love. However, in the song, Cano holds back on his feelings and decides not to tell. With the lyrics, “Mis pensamientos son mis secretos…” the singer expresses that for now he would only observe from afar, but secretly always wanted something more, hence the line. This track is very instrument-heavy, however just enough that its vivid lyrics can take the lead and let the song take its shape.
The true stand-out songs for this release have to be the third and fourth tracks “Cayendo” and “Sólo Una Amiga” with artist Danny Reyes. What makes “Cayendo” shine a little more than the others is the fluid change between English and Spanish throughout the song. This song gives off such a warm feeling and all the mentions of rain as a reference to falling for someone, has everyone in love with it.
On the other hand, the collaboration with Danny Reyes is able to showcase two vastly different voices in a way that makes them blend so well. Both artists are able to show off the different levels of power in their voices, with Danny taking the higher harmony, and Dariell taking the lower. The song is about falling in love with a friend, but not wanting to ruin the friendship. However, it hurts to see that person with someone else. The lyrics, “Y tú no sabes lo que puedo hacer para ti” make you realize that all they want to do is show that person all that they could offer, they just want to be given the chance.
Alivio closes out with a song everyone had been waiting for, “Sin Mentiras Ni Reclamos” with Mexican group El Proyecto. The track describes the slow events towards the aftermath of a relationship. Cano notices a change in a girl he once knew. He recognizes that she’s a lot different from when he last remembers her. He sees her partying and staying out all night but knows that it’s truly killing her on the inside. This particular part of the EP takes a sadder turn, something that I feel brings more contrast to the release and rounds it out as a whole.
Cano is an artist that truly puts his heart and soul into his releases. Passion is seen in every corner of this EP. Dariell has found a sound and style that’s uniquely his, indie sierreño being a genre some would say he’s built from the ground up with the help of other artists. It’s going to be exciting to see what’s next in store for Dariell Cano, knowing that the sky’s the limit from here.
