The acclaimed Mexican guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela has unveiled a significant evolution in their artistry with the inclusion of lyrics and vocals on a track from their latest album, OurHome. This marks a departure from their two-decade career, which has been defined by a masterful instrumental approach that captivated global audiences. The band’s foray into vocal performance on the song "Somos Como Tú" (We Are Like You) represents a deeply personal and powerful statement, addressing themes of migration, displacement, and the universal quest for belonging.
A New Sonic Landscape for Rodrigo y Gabriela
For over twenty years, Rodrigo y Gabriela have carved a unique niche in the music world, their twin acoustic guitars weaving intricate tapestries of sound that draw from flamenco, rock, and Latin music. Their instrumental prowess has earned them critical acclaim, including a Grammy Award, and a dedicated international following. However, with OurHome, the duo, comprised of Rodrigo Sánchez and Gabriela Quintero, have ventured into uncharted territory, embracing their voices to convey a message that has long resonated with them.
"Somos Como Tú," the standout track featuring this newfound vocal expression, is not merely an addition to their discography; it is a profound exploration of the human condition. Sung in their native Spanish, the song offers a perspective from those navigating the challenges of seeking a new home and a sense of community. This thematic choice, coupled with their vocal debut, imbues the song with an undeniable emotional weight and authenticity.
The Genesis of "Somos Como Tú"
Rodrigo Sánchez shared the personal origins of "Somos Como Tú," revealing that the song was penned in 2015 during his time in Paris. Despite its early conception and his enduring affection for the piece, the duo struggled to find a recording that truly captured its essence and aligned with their distinctive sound. "For some reason, we could never find a version that sounded like us," Sánchez explained in an interview with Billboard Español.
The journey to a finalized version of "Somos Como Tú" spanned nearly a decade. Sánchez elaborated that the track, featured on their new LP released by ATO Records, underwent numerous iterations before it felt unequivocally right for their artistic identity. "We decided to try again for this album, and it ended up becoming something we felt was very powerful and honest, and even more relevant than it was ten years ago," he stated, underscoring the song’s timeless and urgent message.
A Richly Layered Vocal and Musical Arrangement
The vocal delivery on "Somos Como Tú" is a dynamic interplay between Rodrigo Sánchez, who takes the lead, and Gabriela Quintero, whose rapid-fire responses echo her roots in the heavy metal scene. This vocal architecture is further enriched by the inclusion of hand percussion and a choir of fans, creating a textured and immersive listening experience. This unique sonic palette sets the song apart within the broader narrative of OurHome.
OurHome: An Internal Sanctuary
The album OurHome itself is conceptualized around the idea that "home" is not solely a physical location but an internal state of being. Gabriela Quintero described the album as a deep dive into themes of renewal and connection, born from their experiences in Japan. "For us, OurHome is about connecting with what you love and believing in it, putting your faith in it," Quintero explained.
She further elaborated on the album’s philosophy: "We can all enter this world of OurHome and reconnect with that part of yourself that doesn’t want to please, that doesn’t want likes, that is enough just as it is." This introspective approach to the concept of home resonates throughout the 11-track collection, which was meticulously recorded and produced by Sánchez and Quintero at NK Sound Tokyo.
Japanese Inspiration and Artistic Cross-Pollination
The duo’s affinity for Japan, a country they describe as having a profound impact on their artistic sensibilities through its art, aesthetics, and dedication to beauty, is palpable in OurHome. This connection led to a remarkable collaboration for the album’s first single, "Monster." The accompanying music video was created by the legendary manga artist Naoki Urasawa, a significant influence on the Mexican guitarists.
Quintero recounted the serendipitous meeting with Urasawa, which stemmed from a concert in Japan where they dedicated "Monster" to him. A fortunate connection within the audience led to an introduction, revealing a mutual admiration between the artist and the musicians. This collaboration, Quintero emphasized, was deeply authentic and devoid of industry pressures, highlighting its "real value."
"Monster," she explained, delves into complex themes, portraying a psychopathic killer while simultaneously offering a narrative of hope and optimism. The song’s creation predated their knowledge of Urasawa’s fandom, making his involvement in creating the video a profound and resonant artistic convergence.
Breaking Boundaries: The Rodrigo y Gabriela Legacy
The release of OurHome arrives approximately 20 years after Rodrigo y Gabriela first made waves on the international music scene. Their career trajectory has been characterized by a persistent dismantling of musical, cultural, and geographical barriers. Initially finding success in Ireland after relocating from Mexico, they cultivated a global audience with a genre-defying sound that fluidly transitions between the raw power of heavy metal riffs and the intricate elegance of classical Latin guitar.
A Stellar Lineup of Collaborators
The collaborative spirit of OurHome extends beyond their core duo. The album features contributions from a distinguished roster of musicians, including former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman, cellist Hiyori Okuda, and guitarist/composer Yukihiro Atsumi. Further enhancing the album’s polished sound, it was mixed by five-time Grammy winner Dave Sardy, known for his work with iconic artists like The Who and Oasis, and mastered by Stephen Marcussen, a mastering engineer whose credits include Nirvana and The Rolling Stones.
Touring OurHome Across Continents
Following the album’s release, Rodrigo y Gabriela are embarking on an extensive U.S. tour commencing September 30th in Dallas, Texas. The tour includes a significant homecoming stop in Mexico City on October 6th and 7th, where they are slated to perform at the Polyforum Siqueiros, a venue renowned for housing the monumental works of muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros. Their U.S. itinerary will also take them to major cities such as Washington D.C., New York, San Francisco, and Seattle, bringing the sonic and thematic landscape of OurHome to live audiences.
Fans can immerse themselves in the complete auditory journey of OurHome by accessing the album through various streaming platforms.
