Hermanos Gutiérrez Hypnotize with their Guitars on New Single and Video “Barrio Hustle”

With the roars of Sonido Cósmico, the sixth studio album from instrumental band Hermanos Gutiérrez, coming out in full on June 14 via Easy Eye Sound, the brother duo have dropped their latest single and equally captivating music video, “Barrio Hustle.” Although April saw Alejandro and Estevan Gutiérrez perform at Coachella, play a set on NPR’s World Cafe, and go on tour with Khruangbin, that hasn’t scared them away from going back on the road for their own headlining tour, which happens to be their biggest and includes two sold out LA shows at Lodge Room on Aug. 3 and Troubadour on Aug. 2.

For their upcoming full-length, the brothers enlisted help from producer and “third brother” Dan Auerbach, known for his work with other fast-growing artists and better known as The Black Keys’ lead singer. Accurate to the title of their album, “Barrio Hustle” takes inspiration from several influences, whether it’s the rhythm recalling 60s Peruvian cumbia or the psychedelic twangs that are now commonplace for the band.

Both guitars, staples of Hermanos Gutiérrez that were the centerpiece of their previous album, El Bueno Y El Malo, play a standout role throughout. Through a seemingly endless amount of effects, the guitar-playing remains one of the most impressive aspects about the duo, without coming off as though they’re repeating themselves.

Unlike the music videos for the other singles off Sonido Cósmico but in line with their retro inspirations, the visuals for “Barrio Hustle” find Hermanos Gutiérrez as the music guest on an old late-night show. Directed by Robert Schober with period-accurate cameras, the brothers look convincingly of that time, stoically staring the audience down as the song does all the speaking. The set design also evokes the golden age of late night while keeping Hermanos Gutiérrez’s Latin/Western aesthetic intact, not to mention a striking look.

In the right context, the video could be passed off as a relic from the period that the two continue to use as a foundation for their music. But the song itself is an example of how they elevate their material from veering into complete homage, baring their souls, and getting messages across solely through the entrancing instrumentals.

Words: David Sosa

“Barrio Hustle” by Hermanos Gutiérrez is out now on all streaming services. For more on their upcoming album and tickets to their tour, which includes LA stops in Lodge Room on Aug. 3 and Troubadour on Aug. 2, follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and their website.

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