In the wake of Covid’s harsh toll, Los Deltonos faced a shifting landscape, and as the dust settled the ensemble began coalescing into a powerful power trio once more. The credits withheld titles, and the global influence surged, signaling something unsettled in the band. Sergio Rodríguez joined with drummer Javi Arias to reshape the rhythm section, while Hendrik Rover took charge of the guitars, delivering lyrics filled with sly irony, quiet critique, and a generous dose of rhythm. The group reimagined itself by returning to its core formula, renewed and ready.
When fans finally glimpsed the lineup live, the changes were unmistakable, and the refurbishment clearly elevated the band. They closed a chapter marked by detours, setting a new trajectory that drew on the many roads traveled and the lessons learned along the long journey. Los Deltonos entered a fresh phase with confidence, prepared to press forward with what they had absorbed over the years.
Los Deltonos’ new collection Mueve! presents a band that moves with precision, sounding wonderfully cohesive and brimming with energy. The songs, which previously seemed to strike a raw, direct chord, now carry a richer balance and more nuanced textures. The previously dismissed notion of a stark dichotomy gives way to a recognizable symmetry between the ferocity of the most direct tracks and the subtleties of the more melodic ones.
Consider the delightful rhythm and melodic shaping of Pedagogía, where a delicate riff and vivid guitar sketches weave a tapestry that sometimes nods to West Coast tones and at other moments recalls Thin Lizzy’s harmonies. The vocal melodies feel pregnant, completing a track so well that, were the times different, it would already be spoken of as a hit. Porque Dudaste stands out as a composition that deserves wide listenership. Hendrik Rover’s chords sound both beautiful and effective as his guitar voice carries a blend of sadness and optimism. Can such a trio convey both sentiments in under four minutes of music? The track invites belief—listen to it and decide for yourself. Mueve opens with a signature solo, Hendrik’s guitar unleashing a bold riff while the lyrics carry wry, pointed humor: if it were easy, you would have already done it. The line “I won my line, it’s my turn to speak. Shut up, listen, learn, and act now” crystallizes the band’s stance at this moment. No one embodies that sentiment more than Hendrik. La Reina Del Adios, alongside Tu Martillo, fills the room with a saturated guitar sound that feels almost physical, a hallmark of the power-trio approach. The biting voice shifts balance with furious immediacy, underscoring a decisive message. And again Rover’s lines provoke thought: “I can’t be your hammer, I can’t do your job. I won’t be your lifeline while you strangle me.” Led by Javi Arias’s precise drumming and Sergio Rodríguez’s sturdy bass, Menudeo glows with brightness and appeal. The crisp, dry riff in Aquí Estaré conjures the raw blues energy of Crazy Horse, while Swat lingers as a swift, instinctive piece that keeps the listener on edge. Science feels candid and romantic at first glance, only to quickly morph into another memorable riff-filled moment. A hidden bonus track, Cuando Éramos Hermanos, feels like a Hendrik solo piece in its intimate folk-rock mood, yet it seals the album with an imperial air of distinction.
This isn’t a simple return for Los Deltonos; the band appears to be standing at the threshold of a renaissance, a fresh reincarnation that deserves a strong starting point. In this sense, Mueve serves as a potent opening statement, signaling a commitment to remind audiences and critics alike that the band remains among the most influential rock groups in their sphere, regardless of chart performance or mass visibility. The power lies in the songs themselves, wielded as their most persuasive instrument.