While we were recovering as best we could from the devastating impact of Covid, the winds of change were being felt in Los Deltonos, and when the worst was over, the group would soon be back to being a full-fledged power trio. It was still not fully known in “Craft Rock” (Guitartown/Folc, 2021), but the complete absence of titles in the credits and, above all, the obvious resurgence of the global sound gave us clues that something was off at Los Deltonos. Sergio Rodríguez, along with drummer Javi Arias, would be the new piece to move the band’s rhythmic heart, and Hendrik Rover would be in charge of all the guitars for his part, singing the lyrics loaded with subtle irony, covert criticism, and tons of rhythm. sense of humor. The group reinvented itself by returning to the original formula.
While we were able to see them live with the changes already made, we confirmed that the refurb did the group great. They closed a stage where the group had crossed several roads, and it was time to continue on their way, drawing on everything they had experienced and learned on the long journey.
Los Deltonos’ new song collection “Mueve!” brings us a band that is perfectly oiled, wonderfully powerful, and best of all, tremendously inspiring. These songs, which seemed to touch the immediate, wild and direct jugular vein in their previous albums, appear this time with more balanced and rich nuances. Forget this hateful term, but in these new songs we find an obvious symmetry between the fury of his most direct songs and the subtlety of his more melodic compositions.
Take, for example, the delicious rhythmic cadence of “Pedagogía”, that delicate riff and beautiful guitar drawings; sometimes it reminds you of the taste of the West Coast of America, sometimes of the harmonies of Thin Lizzy. The melody pregnant voices complete a song so perfectly that if it weren’t for the times we live in, we would definitely be talking about a hit. “Porque Dudaste” is another one that makes people believe that songs of this quality should be heard by everyone. “You won’t be there…because you suspected” Hendrik Rover sings the chords that are as beautiful as they are effective. That guitar sound… Sadness and optimism… Can both concepts be conveyed in three minutes of music? I think yes, listen to the song if you don’t believe me. “Mueve” is the opening hit with a signature solo, where Hendrik’s guitar fires up with a crazy riff, and a finely ironic text: “If that was easy, you’d have done it already. Leave the know”, “I won my line, it’s my turn to speak. Shut up, listen, learn, and act now.” There is no one more qualified to write such a letter than Hendrik. “La Reina Del Adios”, like “Tu Martillo”, where the saturation of the guitar sound literally melts the speakers, is one of the world’s most famous power trio concepts. It has an effect on that sudden and harsh voice that makes all sense. And again Hendrik’s lines make us think: “I can’t be your hammer, I can’t do your job. I can’t be your lifeline while you strangle me.” Led by the drums of Javi Arias and some great bass lines by Sergio Rodríguez, “Menudeo” sounds bright and appealing. While the sharp and dry riff of “Aquí Estaré” may evoke the harsh and intense blues of Crazy Horse, “Swat” is one of the fast and instinctive song genres Hendrik needs to sleep on. “Science” sounds candid and romantic, and all this, although it doesn’t take long for it to turn into another great rifle again. And a special note for that hidden bonus track that wasn’t even included in the credits: “Cuando Éramos Hermanos” is a delicious folk rock that perhaps reminds us more of a Hendrik solo, but seals an imperially outstanding album.
We won’t say the stereotypical Los Deltonos are back because they basically never broke up, but we should point out the fact that the band is facing some kind of new renaissance and this new reincarnation needs a good starting point. Here, “Mueve” is a full-fledged punch to the table, a sign that Los Deltonos is determined to show everyone that they are one of the biggest rock’n’ bands, no matter what the charts or big audiences say. ‘The roll that this country produces. And they do it with songs that are the best weapon.