Pambo “Poprocks”

Like Avril Lavigne and Kelly Clarkson, Alejandra Ruiz, aka Pambo, excels at carefree anthems for pre-teens and anyone in the mood for puppy love. Along with fellow Mexicans Nikki Clan and Belinda, Pambo's brand of rock is unashamedly light and glossy which may belie both her musical potential and artistic intentions.

Recruited by Sony BMG while still a student at Mexico City's prestigious Fermatta Academy (the alma mater of Natalia Lafourcade and Joselo of Cafe Tacvba), Ruiz took her stage name from a slang term for tomboys. On her new debut, Poprocks, there's traces of both her pedigree and tough pose. Mostly, however, it's a collection of friendly melodies and gently played rock numbers.

Produced by the very successful Aureo Baqueiro, the album's full range is on display in the current single, Tras Nubes (Behind Clouds) where an acoustic guitar intro sets the stage for Ruiz' confident, casual singing – a sometimes raspy but always full-bodied pop voice. After an appropriately cheesy electric guitar solo over an organ bed, the track teases with a cascading drum and vocal break. But just when things get interesting it's back to basics for the big finish. Good times. (Fans of Motel's Dime Ven will recognize the structure – if not Baqueiro's fingerprints.)

On the remaining tracks, Pambo's similarities to Spanish superstars La 5a Estacion will likely help this first outing make the rounds while mature compositions like "Mejor Que Tú Mintiendo" and "Perdón" should put her on solid footing for the next round. Perhaps, by then, she'll be more than just another rocker who pops.