17

Rock en Espanol outfit Motel may look like a boy band, but the image belies their taut pop-rock and well-crafted hooks. 17 finds Motel in fine form: the tracks veer from indie rock-inspired angularity (“Aparador”) to radio-ready singalong choruses (“Y Te Vas”). Motel’s sound occasionally takes on a new-wave association, as on the driving, catchy “Uno Dos Tres,” an element that fits nicely into the group’s overall mix. Polished, powerful, and fun, 17 is a straight blast of pop-minded rock en Espanol.