Album Details

• Artist: Rodrigo Y Gabriela
• Album: 11:11
• Label: ATO
• Year of Release: 2009
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: hstisgod on 2009-12-11

To say, 'Review Rodrigo Y Gabriela' is intimidating at best. To say even more basically,  they are an 'acquired taste' is an understatement. Not because the music is so different, but because you're in such awe of the ability being played in your ears. The speed I've heard this duo play some of the most monumental classic Rock 'n Roll songs in history was already a factor coming into this review. Then I listened to "Hanuman" , the lead track off their new record.  I'm just flat out astonished by the spirituality shared between these two.

Their fourth album 11-11 starts with "Hanuman", commanding reverb. almost like staring blankly into a high powered venue fan, eyes wide open, nothing is boring about this track. Quintero's rhythm's section are so very well arranged and important to Sanchez. She builds a basic principle for him to walk freely upon. Almost like a wage of understandings from each as they come to an agreement of some sort.

"Buster Voodoo" starts off simple, and then a finger defying solo ... Then a riff that is just chalked out clearly, severely reminding me of something that accompanies the lyrics "Don't F*ck With This!"... Why can't I remember? For the best song of the recording, I'm going with the very multi-genre "Hora Zero". There just is not a word that will describe the journey in which these two take you on here.

"Logos", is the first cool down point and has a 90's Metallica feel. Some electric guitar is tastefully used and the melody proves nearly perfect and barely sharp. Then "Santo Domingo" chimes in flaunting it's heartbeat changing melody. Quick, yet decisive finger pricks make up where a chorus should go. Slapping caress and they just do not have a boundary. It's never been more evident than on "Santo Domingo".

The following track is much more concentrated on skillful intensity and broadness that just can not be captured by anyone I've ever heard before. "Master Maqui" seems to be a bit more personal to lead Sanchez. So, determined and vocal through his fingers, I just can't imagine there's EVER been a duo of this nature.

"Chac Mool" is soft and slow, while "Atman" has a fast paced core surrounded by tambourine's, and the eventual 80's Hair Metal distorted solo. The title track is complex in part, samples of clap, maracas, and the very definition of echoed dual guitars plays like the end to a very gorgeous novel. Almost like the missing track from Pink Floyd's Division Bell, this song was nearly rock and dance in collaboration.

Honestly, R & G continues to be the band I listen to every so often just to come back down to the basics. I could not believe this album had been out three months and not yet been reviewed, much less commented on. They will make my top ten at the last minute.

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