In 2015, Hermanos Gutiérrez, a Latin instrumental duo, emerged from the eclectic streets of Zürich, where Ecuadorian-Swiss brothers Alejandro and Estevan Gutiérrez began to weave their musical journey together. Raised by an Ecuadorian mother and a Swiss father, their love for music blossomed in a household rich with cultural influences, from classical guitar lessons Estevan absorbed as a child to Alejandro’s late-night YouTube self-teachings. It’s said that their chemistry is almost palpable, playing together seamlessly, as if there’s an unspoken language in every note they strike. This connection anchored their debut in a casual jam session, turning a simple visit into a budding career.

Their first four albums explored the vibrancy of Latin music, leading to a monumental shift with their fifth studio album, El Bueno y el Malo (2022), produced by Dan Auerbach. This marked their first foray into mainstream recognition, thanks in large part to the album’s ambient instrumental rock and the duo’s intricate guitar interplay inspired by Ennio Morricone’s film scores. Critics have noted how their sound almost narrates a story without words, capturing listeners and transporting them to distant landscapes. It’s like the spirit of a Spaghetti Western wrapped in the warmth of brotherhood.

With their sixth album, Sonido Cósmico (2024), they continued to push boundaries, earning accolades for their evolving mix of styles. While the consistency of their craft speaks to their talent, the brothers’ ability to evoke emotion with just guitars remains a defining feature. There’s an element of curiosity you can’t quite put your finger on whenever you hear them—it’s like each note has a story, a life of its own, nimble and haunting all at once, hard to pin down yet straightforwardly captivating.