Austin’s Gran Moreno arrives with ‘El Sol,’ a captivating debut from the rising psych duo.

As the first half of a conceptual diptych alongside the upcoming ‘La Luna,’ ‘El Sol’ radiates with the scorching energy of the Texas desert, blending hypnotic riffs with a deep reverence for the band’s pre-Hispanic heritage.

Rooted in the analog warmth of Adrian Quesada’s Electric Deluxe studio, the band describes the album as a “rebirth—a new beginning” and a spiritual “offering to the Sun.” As they prepare to take this “movement” across the U.S., Gran Moreno is building a universe entirely their own.

‘El Sol’ is self-released and available everywhere January 16, 2026.

<a href="https://granmoreno.bandcamp.com/album/el-sol">EL SOL by GRAN MORENO</a>

“A continuation of the sonic journey we’ve been developing”

When you recorded ‘El Sol,’ how did you manage to capture that distinct desert-like atmosphere in the studio—that analog warmth? Did you experiment with vintage gear or specific recording techniques to find that balance?

We’re true lovers of analog gear, and I think we had the perfect starting point at Electric Deluxe. For those who don’t know the studio, it belongs to Adrian Quesada (Black Pumas), who is widely known for his deep love of vintage analog equipment. That energy and philosophy really set the tone for the album.

Tracking there gave us a very solid foundation—warm, organic, and alive—which made it much easier to continue shaping the record at Exit Disco Studios. That’s where we focused on the finer details and the final layers of the album, but everything was already breathing thanks to how it began.

This new project is ambitious, built around the concept of a double album. ‘El Sol’ brings energy and clarity, while ‘La Luna’ leans toward shadows and mystery. How did you decide which songs belonged to the sun and which to the moon? Did any song surprise you during the process and switch sides?

More than a double album, this project feels like a continuation of the sonic journey we’ve been developing. Everything begins with ‘El Sol.’ The songs on that record were never in doubt—they naturally belonged there from the very beginning.

‘El Sol’ is a bright, honest, and very warm album. ‘La Luna,’ on the other hand, is still a concept we’re actively working on. What I can share is that it emerged as a response to ‘El Sol’ and to the creative process we’ve been living through lately. It’s the other side of the same universe—but we’ll talk more about that when the time comes.

Narrative seems to be very important to you. Since ‘El Sol’ is meant to be a vivid introduction to the band’s current moment, what story or feeling do you want listeners to walk away with after hearing this first half? Is there a particular experience we should buckle up for?

The idea of ‘El Sol’ had been circling in my head for a long time. It felt perfect as the name of our debut album, especially because the phrase “Somos Hijos del Sol” carries deep meaning in pre-Hispanic Mexican culture. It speaks to our indigenous roots and to the vitality of Mexican culture in the face of modernity.

‘El Sol’ represents birth, vitality, and a deity that shines. For us, it symbolizes a rebirth—a new beginning. This album is our offering to the Sun.

With the album release party coming up at The 13th Floor in Austin, how do you plan to translate the high intensity of ‘El Sol’ to the stage?

Honestly, the hardest part wasn’t bringing the album to the stage—it was bringing our live energy into the album. I truly believe we’re even stronger live than on record, and that’s something I’m very proud of.

I personally hate when a band sounds incredible on an album but disappoints live. That’s not our case. Our live show consistently exceeds expectations, and I think that’s one of the main reasons we’ve grown so quickly within the local scene. The shows are full of power, intensity, and a brotherhood-like connection that you can only truly feel if you’re there in person.

You’ve mentioned that you’re not just making music, but building your own world with a strong independent spirit. With this two-part conceptual album, how do you see that world now compared to your beginnings? How has the Austin scene shaped—or challenged—the way you build that universe?

From the very beginning of this band, the main creative rule has been that there are no rules. That freedom allows my brother and me to release ourselves from social and creative pressure completely.

We don’t care about fitting in or pleasing anyone—we just want to play what we genuinely feel, without fear, and out of love for the art. One of my favorite songs on El Sol is ‘Oaxaca.’ It’s influenced by Cuban son and rumba, and it perfectly represents why we reject creative boundaries. We play this kind of music because we love it, because it feels honest, and because creative freedom is essential to who we are.

So to wrap it up—January 18th is shaping up to be a very special night. What’s next for you?

What’s next is movement. ‘El Sol’ was meant to be taken beyond the studio and into the real world. We’re preparing to carry this record across the United States, city by city, stage by stage—letting it grow, transform, and connect with people in real time. This is just the beginning of the journey. Tour dates will be announced very soon.

Klemen Breznikar

Headline photo: Tico Mendoz

GRAN MORENO- LIVE 2026:
01/16 Austin, TX – Waterloo Records – in-store performance & signing
01/18 Austin, TX – 13th Floor – album release party

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