Kopernico, the instrumental rock band hailing from Cancún, Mexico, has always had a knack for telling stories without words, crafting narratives that float in the space between emotions and the stars. With their latest album, Hacia las Estrellas, released on November 29, 2024, they take this storytelling to the next level, presenting 12 tracks of dream pop-infused instrumental rock that feels like a voyage through the cosmos. From its introspective melodies to its bursts of high energy, the album is an emotional odyssey that captures the magic of stargazing, the solace of solitude, and the beauty of nature.
Kopernico, founded in 2011 by Esaú Barea, has built its legacy on creating music that transcends language, allowing the listener to explore feelings that words often fail to articulate. Their debut album, The End (2016), set the stage for their brand of evocative, cinematic soundscapes. The 2019 single “Tokyo,” recorded in Japan and performed internationally, proved their ability to connect with audiences across the globe. Now, Hacia las Estrellas builds on this foundation, offering a deeply personal yet universal listening experience.
The album’s opener, “Sigue al Atardecer,” immediately sets the tone with a blend of shimmering guitars and atmospheric synths that feel like the golden glow of a setting sun. It’s a track that invites the listener to pause, reflect, and step into the world Kopernico has created. From there, the album takes a dynamic turn with “Artificial Love,” a pulsating mix of beats and guitars that feels like a dance between the synthetic and the organic, evoking a sense of longing in its soaring melodies.
“Asia” and “Verano sin Ti” bring a more introspective energy, with “Asia” offering a serene yet mysterious exploration of distant lands and “Verano sin Ti” wrapping the listener in a warm yet melancholic embrace of summer memories. The band’s signature electric guitar takes center stage here, weaving intricate melodies that linger long after the tracks have ended.
“Luces Mensajeras” shines as one of the album’s standout moments. With its ethereal build and climactic crescendo, it feels like a message sent across the galaxy—urgent, beautiful, and transcendent. This leads seamlessly into “Yo Contra el Mundo,” a fiery, defiant track that showcases Kopernico’s ability to balance raw emotion with technical precision.
“Nadie Más” introduces a softer, more contemplative mood, acting as a bridge between the album’s energetic first half and its introspective second half. “Midnight” and “Mountain” take listeners deeper into the night, with “Midnight” capturing the stillness and mystery of late hours and “Mountain” evoking the awe and majesty of standing before towering peaks. Both tracks are rich with texture, blending ambient synths, intricate guitar work, and rhythmic layers that build and release tension masterfully.
The penultimate track, “4:05 a.m.,” is a quiet masterpiece. It feels like the soundtrack to a solitary moment before dawn, where thoughts swirl in the silence and the first light of day begins to break. It’s a track that speaks to the introspective heart of Hacia las Estrellas, reminding listeners of the beauty in stillness and the vastness of their inner worlds.
Finally, the title track, “Hacia las Estrellas,” closes the album with a triumphant and uplifting crescendo. It’s a journey in itself, starting with a soft, meditative intro before launching into a euphoric finale. The track feels like a metaphor for reaching beyond oneself, striving for something greater, and finding a connection to the universe. As the final notes fade, the listener is left with a sense of wonder and renewal—a feeling that they’ve truly traveled among the stars.
Kopernico’s ability to fuse dream pop, post-rock, and instrumental rock with experimentation and innovation shines throughout Hacia las Estrellas. While the electric guitar remains the core of their sound, the addition of beats, synthesizers, and ambient textures creates a sonic palette that feels both fresh and timeless. The album is as much a tribute to nature and the cosmos as it is an exploration of human emotion, making it a perfect companion for quiet moments of reflection, stargazing, or wandering through the woods.
More than just an album, Hacia las Estrellas is an experience—a reminder that music doesn’t need words to tell a story or evoke profound emotion. Kopernico’s latest work stands as a testament to their mastery of instrumental storytelling, inviting listeners to embark on a cosmic journey of their own. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to their music, this album is sure to leave you captivated, inspired, and, perhaps, gazing a little longer at the stars.
