Hermanos Gutiérrez

Listening to Hermanos Gutiérrez, it’s easy to recall composer Frédéric Chopin’s old words of wisdom: “Nothing is more beautiful than a guitar, except, perhaps, two guitars.” These two guitarists share an understanding that forms the intimate core of the expansive music they create. Blending hints of surf rock and desert blues, Hermanos Gutiérrez create music perfectly suited for wide-open nature, heavily inspired by Ennio Morricone and atmospheres reminiscent of soundtracks from films by Jarmusch and Lynch.

The brothers Alejandro and Estevan Gutiérrez are sons of a Swiss father and an Ecuadorian mother. They have an eight-year age gap, yet eventually found common ground in their music and guitar playing. Their debut album, 8 Años, was named after this age difference. Initially intended as a memento, a recording to share among family and friends, it soon became clear that many more were interested in what they had to offer.

Several albums have followed, and in 2022 they collaborated with acclaimed producer Dan Auerbach (of the Black Keys) on the album El Bueno Y El Malo. The record was a shining demonstration of the musicianship and mutual respect present in the brothers’ interplay—qualities equally evident in their live performances.