The acclaimed Mexican guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela, known for their electrifying instrumental performances and over two decades of global success, have embarked on a significant new chapter with their latest album, OurHome. A pivotal moment within this release is the track "Somos Como Tú" (We Are Like You), marking the first time the Grammy-winning artists have incorporated vocals and lyrics into their signature sound. This bold departure signifies a profound exploration of their artistry, delving into themes of migration, displacement, dignity, and shared humanity from the perspective of those seeking belonging.
A Decade-Long Journey to Vocal Expression
"Somos Como Tú" is not a new composition for Rodrigo Sánchez and Gabriela Quintero. Sánchez reveals to Billboard Español that he wrote the song in Paris in 2015, but it remained an unrecorded piece for nearly a decade. "For some reason, we could never find a version that sounded like us," Sánchez explained. The duo’s dedication to authenticity meant that until they felt the song resonated perfectly with their established instrumental prowess, it wouldn’t see the light of day. The process of re-envisioning "Somos Como Tú" for OurHome proved to be the breakthrough they needed. "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," Sánchez added.
The vocal arrangement on "Somos Como Tú" is a testament to their innovative spirit. Rodrigo Sánchez takes the lead, delivering the poignant lyrics, while Gabriela Quintero provides a rapid-fire response, a nod to her heavy metal influences. This dynamic vocal interplay is further enriched by hand percussion and a captivating fan choir, imbuing the track with a unique depth and resonance. The song’s thematic focus on the migrant experience aligns seamlessly with the overarching concept of OurHome, an album that posits "home" as an internal state of being rather than solely a geographical location.
"OurHome": A Meditation on Belonging and Renewal
OurHome, released on September 18th by ATO Records, is an 11-track collection recorded and produced by Sánchez and Quintero at NK Sound Tokyo. The album emerged from the duo’s deep appreciation for Japan, a country they have long been drawn to for its artistic expression, aesthetic sensibilities, and profound attention to beauty. Quintero describes OurHome as "a meditation on home, renewal and connection." She elaborates, "For us, OurHome is about connecting with what you love and believing in it, putting your faith in it. 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 journey reflects a period of personal growth and artistic evolution for the duo.
The album’s genesis in Japan and its exploration of inner landscapes underscore Rodrigo y Gabriela’s consistent ability to transcend boundaries. Their international career, which began with early success in Ireland after they left Mexico City, has been built on a foundation of a genre-defying sound. This sound masterfully fuses the potent energy of heavy metal riffs with intricate Latin rhythms, all executed with a classical guitar technique that has captivated audiences worldwide for over two decades.
Collaborations and Artistic Reverence
OurHome also features an expanded collaborative universe for the duo. Notable guest artists include former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman, cellist Hiyori Okuda, and guitarist/composer Yukihiro Atsumi. The album’s sonic polish is further enhanced by the expertise of five-time Grammy winner Dave Sardy, who mixed the record, and mastering engineer Stephen Marcussen, known for his work with iconic artists like Nirvana and The Rolling Stones.
A particularly significant collaboration on OurHome is the track "Monster," accompanied by a music video created by legendary manga artist Naoki Urasawa. Urasawa, whose iconic manga series has deeply inspired Rodrigo y Gabriela, was a fan of the duo’s music. The collaboration stemmed from a concert in Japan where the duo dedicated "Monster" to Urasawa. A mutual acquaintance informed the artist, leading to a serendipitous meeting where the admiration proved to be mutual.
"That collaboration with Urasawa comes from our soul. It doesn’t come from any industry feedback. That’s the real value," Quintero emphasizes. She further explains the profound connection to the song and its visual interpretation: "’Monster’ is a very deep and philosophical story. It’s about a psychopathic killer, but at the same time, it’s incredibly hopeful and leaves you with a genuine sense of optimism. We had written that song without knowing that Urasawa was a fan of ours, and now he has created the video for us." This synergy between their music and Urasawa’s artistry highlights the duo’s commitment to deeply personal and meaningful creative endeavors.
A Global Trajectory and Future Endeavors
The release of OurHome arrives approximately 20 years after Rodrigo y Gabriela first made their indelible mark on the international music scene. Their journey from Mexico City to global acclaim is a testament to their relentless pursuit of artistic innovation and their ability to connect with diverse audiences. Their distinctive style, characterized by virtuosic guitar playing and a dynamic stage presence, has consistently pushed the boundaries of what acoustic guitar music can achieve.
The duo is set to embark on an extensive U.S. tour in support of OurHome, commencing on September 30th in Dallas, Texas. The tour includes highly anticipated dates in their native Mexico City on October 6th and 7th, where they will perform at the Polyforum Siqueiros, a venue renowned for housing the monumental works of Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros. Subsequent stops on the tour will include major cities such as Washington, D.C., New York, San Francisco, and Seattle, offering fans across the country the opportunity to experience their new material and acclaimed live performance.
Rodrigo y Gabriela’s evolution with OurHome and the introspective themes explored on "Somos Como Tú" demonstrate a maturing artistry that continues to challenge expectations. By embracing vulnerability and expanding their sonic palette, the duo is not only reaffirming their status as musical innovators but also forging deeper connections with their audience, exploring the universal concept of home through their unparalleled musical language.
For those wishing to experience the full scope of their latest work, OurHome is available for streaming and purchase. The album represents a significant milestone, showcasing Rodrigo y Gabriela’s enduring commitment to artistic growth and their profound ability to translate complex human emotions into captivating musical narratives.
0 Comments