‘Casi 30’: The Most Chill Breakdown You’ll Hear This Year

Originally published on Sound Spectrum Magazine

Bogotá, Colombia — There’s something oddly comforting about hearing your late-20s crises sung back to you with a groove. ‘Casi 30’, the new collaborative single by Colombian artists Nicolle Horbath, Alemor, and Pio Perilla, is a warm, witty take on ageing, responsibility, and the weird joy of no longer being twenty-something. Set in what feels like a laid-back 4/4 time signature, the song is rhythmically grounded and emotionally resonant, pairing lyrical honesty with a gentle, danceable groove.

The title translates to “Almost 30”, and that’s exactly the theme: three artists approaching a new decade, reflecting on what adulthood actually feels like. “La vida adulta no es acerca de salir y no avisar; es hacer un desayuno con lo que hubo de cenar” (“Adult life isn’t about going out and not telling anyone; it’s making breakfast from last night’s dinner”) is one of the song’s standout lines, toeing the line between satire and sincerity. Another, “confieso que en pijama es que me siento más feliz” (“I confess I’m happiest in pyjamas”), captures the comforting absurdity of growing up and finding joy in the mundane—and, in my humble opinion, is the most relatable lyric in the entire song due to its also socially awkward energy.

Each artist takes a solo section, offering their own lyrical lens before joining in on the beautifully harmonised chorus. There’s a quiet magic in their vocal chemistry, with no need for flashy runs or ornamentation—just control, warmth, and intimacy. It’s especially effective in the chorus, where their chest-voice harmonies lend a natural, conversational tone. Between the bridge and final chorus, Nicolle adds a soft, almost whispered scatting line that bridges the instrumental break with a subtle sense of flow and playfulness.

The arrangement is clean and expressive, grounded in groove-heavy drums, bass, keyboards, and guitar. There’s no heavy production—no excessive auto-tune or synthetic flourishes. This makes the song more accessible for hard-of-hearing listeners: the clarity of tone and minimal layering allow the lyrics and melody to come through distinctly, without necessarily requiring a lyric sheet to follow along—unless, of course, you’re not a fluent Spanish speaker. Alemor, who is also the lead composer and lyricist, adds her own trumpet playing to the mix—a personal touch that deepens the track’s emotional signature.

The final chorus introduces an unexpected twist: the same lyrics return, but with a fresh rhythmic variation. Instead of following the earlier pattern, this version uses offbeat accents and a looser groove that lets the melody stretch and settle into something more fluid. It’s a rewarding musical shift that reflects the song’s theme—adulthood doesn’t follow the beat you expected, and that’s okay.

For fans of musical theatre, ‘Casi 30’ may feel like the Latin pop cousin of Jonathan Larson’s ‘30/90’ from Tick, Tick… Boom!. Where Larson’s track is an anxious, high-energy outcry about turning 30, ‘Casi 30’ offers a more reflective, groovy take on the same milestone—less panic, more acceptance, and a little humour to ease the existential weight.

In all, ‘Casi 30’ is a quietly brilliant ode to not having it all figured out. For anyone dancing through the uncertainty of adulthood—with a cup of tea in one hand and rent payments on the brain—this might just be your new anthem.

About the Artists

Nicolle Horbath is a rising voice in Colombian music, hailing from Barranquilla. Blending soul, pop, and Latin influences, her music has gained critical attention for its warmth and vocal purity. A classically trained musician with a background in jazz, Nicolle has gradually made her mark in the indie scene, praised for both her vocal finesse and honest lyricism. She was nominated for two Latin Grammy awards in 2024 and is set to open for Colombian superstar Camilo tomorrow, 5 June, in her hometown.

Alejandra Mor Tatis, known as Alemor, is a Colombian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who splits her time between Colombia and Miami. Her music fuses jazz, Latin American folk, and pop, often weaving introspective lyrics with soulful instrumentation. Nominated for Best New Artist at the 2021 Latin Grammy Awards, she’s recognised for her DIY spirit and commitment to authenticity.

Pio Perilla is a Bogotá-based singer-songwriter, producer, and guitarist known for his emotive lyricism and soft, acoustic-leaning pop. Starting out in Colombia’s independent scene, he gradually built a career behind the scenes as a composer and producer for other artists, while releasing solo material that blends indie, pop, and Latin folk influences.