Sonido Cósmico

Hermanos Gutiérrez have been winning hearts around the world with their transcendent guitar sound recalling desert skies and lonely highways. On their new record, Sonido Cósmico, the Swiss-Ecuadorian guitar duo have veered off the ol’ dusty freeway to explore the rhythm and spirit of cumbia and salsa. For those craving more of their beautifully intertwined fingerpicking and reverb-laden bends, the brothers will not disappoint. The first two tracks, ‘Lágrimas Negras’ and ‘Low Sun’, remain in familiar territory, as does much of the record. By track three, ‘Cumbia Lunar’, the duo’s desire to break from their trademark sound begins to shine through. The beat invites sensual movement while stylish licks doused with wah-wah add a touch of verdancy to the desert soundscape. ‘It’s All in Your Mind’ also moves the sound forward. With a touch of soul, some Clapton-esque blues licks and a tickle of organ, it exudes a spirit of hope. Up next, the title-track boasts some fantastic flange work and a lead melody that pierces the heart with an air of ‘New Slang’ by The Shins. While the lack of attention-grabbing hooks could relegate this to background music for some, the beautiful imagery, elegant tranquillity, and heartfelt playing will leave most utterly spellbound.