Rodrigo y Gabriela, '11:11' (ATO)
Heady metal shtick gets too dubiously proggy.
By Chuck Eddy 09.01.09 2:07 PM
These Mexico-born, Dublin-based acoustic buskers made their name by flamenco-fying Metallica and Zeppelin songs, and their latest set was mixed by old thrash hand Colin Richardson. So it’s no shock that 11:11’s most affecting moments -- the title track and “Logos” -- come when the duo’s time signatures slither into a stalagmite-strewn prog-metal cave. They also pay alleged homage to Hendrix and Dimebag Darrell, the latter in a Middle Eastern-leaning collaboration with Testament’s Alex Skolnick. But mainly they noodle through indeterminate world-music jams that’d feel equally ignorable at mud festivals and at ethnic restaurants.
This review is a freaking joke. Perhaps the reviewer just doesn't get it, but to say that Rodrigo y Gabriela 'noodle' through any of their music is ridiculous. Every note on 11:11 is chosen on purpose, just like the songs on their self-titled record. The 'balled' esque tracks on 11:11 are quite good, but I can't believe how much you are discounting what they do on the other 9 tracks. This record is as good, if not better, than their self-titled record. 11:11 expands their sound a lot, but doesn't lose focus on the acoustic center of their work. Songs such as Hanuman, Savitri, and Atman are passionate and creative. This is one of the best records released so far this year, it's a pity that someone might actually listen to this review and pass it by.
I saw them do most of this new material live before it was released and wondered if the geeks who only listened to their classic covers from the first cd would give their original stuff a chance . I agree with the pryer reviewer when he said that calling anything they do noodling is ridiculous . I'm starting to think that the reason you have to give this mag away for free is because of the reviewers like Chuckin Eddie who give 2 of the best musicians on the planet such a low rating but will rave about the newest wanker band in New York when they piss in a tin cup on the subway out of key . There is a lot of good music out here on the west coast being ignored by your staff as well . You made a big deal about the Phish new cd and I am not impressed . How about you give Hot Buttered Rum's new cd a listen or the new Mother Hips release .
Chuck Eddie has two first's names...what a bavoso. I bet he's a nickleback fan...TOOL!
This review is a joke and makes me question the musical comprehension skills of the reviewer. This album is a progressive take on traditional Spanish guitar music which draws influence from numerous contemporary genres. Rodrigo y Gabriella use their complementary virtuosic techniques as well as their mastery composition skills to create a guitar album which pushes the boundaries of acoustic guitar composition to new limits. This reviewer is a hack to give this album such a poor review.
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