“Rodrigo Y Gabriela”

palabras ARACELI CRUZ

Although this review is a couple of months overdue, there is no way I could pass up mentioning this startling self-titled album by Rodrigo Y Gabriela. They are inspiring nomads who took their talent from Mexico City and settled in Dublin only to become local music heroes in their own right, playing uncompromisingly.

At first listen, it is easy to classify them as classical and instrumental, but what stems from it is much more than easy labeling. With two other albums under their belts (including a live one) this guitar-duo releases a free-range of organic music. The acoustic flow of each track is refreshing in the mix of over-produced, in-your-face music that continues to bog down the airwaves. Rodrigo y Gabriela kept it simple by working with producer John Leckie, who’s worked with Radiohead, Muse and My Morning Jacket.

Their sound is sensual, spiritual and full of Latin hertiage. “Diablo Rojo” has an outstanding rhythmic pace, probably because the inspiration behind the song lies in a rollercoaster. The self-proclaimed metal heads also covered the Metallica song “Orion,” and the Led Zeppelin classic “Stairway to Heaven.” The pair also pays homage to the picturesque Mexican town with the song “Ixtapa,” which is a beautiful softer tune with a resonating violin solo.

It is clear Rodrigo y Gabriela’s musical future will be an innovative and amazing journey.

Rodrigo y Gabriela will play at Webster Hall in New York on April 16th and also at the Coachella Valley Arts and Music Festival on April 29th.