Estan Strange I
ESTAN STRANGE I is the fourth studio album by Mexican rock band Rey Pila, released on November 28, 2024, through Arts & Crafts México. The record marked the group’s first full-length release since 2020’s Velox Veritas. Produced primarily by Diego Solórzano with contributions from American producer Paul Salva, Nathan Phillips, Lee Smith, and Charlie Hugall, the album incorporates tracks sung in both English and Spanish, expanding the band’s retro-futurist sound into darker electronic and dance rock territory.
Background and production
Much of the album’s early writing and production took place during 2022 and 2023, with the band collaborating closely with DJ and producer Paul Salva. Solórzano described the experience as “like going to music school,” noting that Salva pushed the group further into electronic territory and accelerated their artistic growth. Salva had previously remixed “Alexander” from the band’s debut album. Some tracks were mixed UK-based Charlie Hugall, Nathan Phillips and Lee Smith.Critical reception
ESTAN STRANGE I was well received internationally and in Latin America. UK’s FAULT Magazine praised its adaptive creativity and DIY production ethos, while Italian outlet SonOfMarketing singled out the single "One of Us" for its hook-laden blend of synth-pop and rock. In Mexico, Sopitas and Revista Marvin lauded the album’s maturity and experimentation, and Rokkers called it “a bold new phase” in the band’s career. SopitasFM listed the track "Fantasma" among the best songs of 2024.Live performances
To celebrate the release of ESTAN STRANGE I, Rey Pila performed a sold-out show at Auditorio BB in Mexico City, presenting the album live for the first time. Shortly afterward, the band supported French electronic duo Justice at their Mexico City concert. A deluxe edition of the album, featuring additional tracks, was released in 2025.Credits
- Diego Solórzano – producer
- Paul Salva - producer, mixing
- Charlie Hugall, Nathan Phillips, Lee Smith – mixing
- Pepe G- mastering