The idea of "blood harmony," a phenomenon that sees siblings performing effortless and beautiful melodic combinations that is as tightly constructed as their familial bond, has been vocally exemplified through varying musical acts across the history of pop music.
Shining examples include groups like The Everly Brothers, Bee Gees, Jackson 5, Heart, and First Aid Kit.
However, brothers Estevan and Alejandro Gutierrez - collectively known as the guitarist duo Hermanos Gutiérrez - might be the only act that could exhibit this polyphonous phenomenon through nothing but the "voices" of their instrument.
The duo best exhibits this sonic feat in their forthcoming album's title track, "Sonido Cósmico," a psychedelic instrumental joint with clear Latin influences and a successor to their 2022 album "El Bueno Y El Malo," which Rolling Stone describes to have been inundated with "tracks that shimmer with hallucinogenic energy"
That said, the previous album produced by their "third brother" Dan Auerbach primarily evoked arid sceneries of deserts and scalding hot high ways, which Hermanos Gutiérrez departs from in their new work as they focus on a more "universal" level.
According to the elder Gutiérrez, in "Sonido Cósmico" (roughly translating to "cosmic sound"), they moreso conjured imageries concerning the cosmic expanse and its countless galaxies, saying, "It's not on Earth. We've started to fly."
'Sonido Cósmico': The Hermanos Gutiérrez's Flight Beyond the Deserts
Ahead of their record's release, Hermanos Gutiérrez commemorated its announcement by sharing a music video for its title track that was directed by frequent collaborator Robert "Roboshobo" Schober, who has also worked with famed acts like Metallica, The Killers, and The Arcs.
The track itself exhibits an almost ethereal quality with its evocative, intertwined guitar riffs heightened by a tasteful production that introduces strings, drums, and an organ sound, the combination of which results in an extraterrestrial listening experience rife with tension and mystery.
Despite these new elements, however, "Sonido Cósmico" is still inserted with the cultural elements that Hermanos Gutiérrez came to be associated with.
That said, with this project, the duo endeavors to expand their rhythmic palette more by incorporating elements from cumbia and salsa to the album's spiritual themes, resulting in an inquisitive and experimental yet oddly grounded project.
The announcement of their upcoming record is also followed by several touring milestones, including the duo's biggest and fastest-selling headline tour to date, which features May performances at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium and two nights at NYC's Brooklyn Steel.
In addition, the brothers will hold debut performances at this year's Coachella and Big Ears Festival, as well as go on an April tour with musical trio Khruangbin. For the full list of touring dates and venues, visit https://www.hermanosgutierrez.ch/
Pre-save the album by clicking here and watch the MV for "Sonido Cósmico" right below:
