Federico Aubele’s third release of chilled-out Latin sounds is something of a tour de force. Not only does the laid-back Argentine with the big hair write all the songs and play all the instruments, he’s also his own producer.

Like its 2007 predecessor, Panamericana, the new album is released on Thievery Corporation’s record label and synthesizes acoustic pop, down-tempo beats, dub, touches of electronica, and various world-music genres—especially tango and Cuban bolero. However, Amatoria is a touch more languid and dreamy in feel—befitting its title, which comes from Roman poet Ovid’s Ars Amatoria (The Art of Love).

Aubele is certainly an unabashed romantic, with a measure of bluesy coolness and contemporary flair. The opening cut, “Luna y Sol”, celebrating the attraction of opposites, is a silky, reverb-rich dub song. His duet with Natalia Clavier on “Este Amor” has a restrained, classic feel, yet the beat is funky and syncopated. Likewise, “Del Ayer” has an old-fashioned melodiousness that hints at the Beatles, while its rhythm is anchored by programmed handclaps.

Occasionally, as on “Hermosa” and “Tan Cerca”, the sweetness becomes a bit overpowering. But if you don’t mind a pinch of sugar in your margarita, Amatoria provides a great sonic cocktail for a summer’s evening.