Lithuania’s finest purveyors of neon-tinted pop, The Roop, have filed their latest single under “songs most likely to make you book a flight south”. “Chica Chico” – an unapologetically sun-drenched track lifted from their new album Momentum – comes packaged with a music video shot smack in the middle of Seville’s legendary Feria de Abril. The result? Three minutes of castanets, crescent-moon guitars and a drum break so buoyant that even self-confessed introvert and sticks-man Robertas abandons his comfort zone and has a boogie.
From Vilnius to the barrio – but why Seville?
Front-man Vaidotas Valiukevičius explains the geographical leap with characteristic understatement:
“The song is about joy, unity and the beauty of life. We asked ourselves where we could film that spirit, and Seville basically shouted ‘¡Aquí!’”
Hard to argue. Once a year, the Andalusian capital explodes into a week-long carousel of flamenco dresses, tapas plates and midnight guitar solos. Perfect, then, for a band that entered Eurovision 2020 telling us to get “On Fire” – and has spent every summer since trying to keep that blaze alive.
Locals, lace and lightning-quick selfies
Directed by long-time collaborator Indrė Juškutė – the creative eye behind “On Fire” and the quietly brilliant festive short “Christmas Postcard” – the video is less staged promo and more pop documentary. The band roam the fairground, swapping grins with Sevillanos who, we’re told, were queueing for selfies faster than you could say “dos cervezas, por fa”. At one point a couple in full flamenco regalia drag guitarist Mantas into a spontaneous sevillana; seconds later Robertas, usually welded to his kit, is clapping above his head like a man who’s forgotten the health-and-safety implications.
“One love, one life, one sun” – and one cameraman in a heatwave
The visual centrepiece captures the group singing the hook – “One love, one life, one sun” – beneath strings of coloured lights while a brass band barrels past. According to production gossip, the temperature nudged 34 °C and the camera operator had to be revived with a litre of gazpacho. Dedication, indeed.
Album, documentary and what next?
“Chica Chico” is the fourth single from Momentum, now streaming on every platform that will gladly recommend you three hours of algorithmic reggaeton afterwards. For vinyl aficionados – we know you’re out there – a limited pressing arrives later this month, complete with sleeve notes that smell faintly of sun cream.
Director Juškutė, meanwhile, is deep into a feature-length documentary about The Roop’s rise from Baltic bars to global playlists. Release date TBC, but expect backstage musings, wardrobe malfunctions and at least one cameo by a Spanish horse.
Why this matters (beyond the glitter)
In an era where “summer songs” often sound like computers arguing, “Chica Chico” feels pleasantly human – equal parts Eurovision exuberance and holiday postcard. If it doesn’t coax the clouds off your British barbecue, nothing will.
So, should you add The Roop’s latest to your playlist? Absolutely. Just remember to stretch first; even introverted drummers pull a muscle when the rhythm’s this infectious.
