CRUZA doesn't just step onto the scene with their first single, ".38." They glide in under dim lights, shrouded in mood and mystery. The song is a great way to get to know the project's "Dark Academia" style, which is a sound and visual world led by the magnetic Lucia Molina.
Molina is a seasoned singer, songwriter, model, and actress who brings a strong presence to CRUZA, feeling both classic and new. ".38" has a timeless vocal power that reminds me of Etta James and a smoky neo-soul depth that recalls Erykah Badu. The result is a sensual, retro-inspired experience that feels like it was put together with care yet remains very emotional. Instead of following short-lived trends, CRUZA focuses on the atmosphere. The single is a bold departure from the mainstream. It has the grit of old-world jazz and the smooth rhythms of modern R&B. It has a striking quality, every note seems planned, and every pause has meaning. You don't just hear ".38"; you go inside it.
What makes this debut so interesting is how well it balances. The production is strong, but it doesn't drown out Molina's vocal subtleties. The performance has a sultry restraint and a quiet confidence that lasts long after the last beat fades. It's Latin soul seen through a moody, intellectual lens, romantic, dark, and deeply felt.