Rodrigo Y Gabriela’s 2009 album, 11:11, is smashing. Drawing influences all across the board, the duo redefine what the acoustic guitar can do, nodding heavily to Carlos Santana (whom their opener, “Hanuman”, is dedicated to). With an astounding flourish and impeccable tempo, the band pays tribute to 11 different guitarists who have inspired them, while tactfully paralleling them stylistically. The aggressive and blunt arrangements in “Buster Voodoo” showcase the band’s underlying love for the thrash of metal music. The album is electrically charged and brazen, even in its subtler tracks (“Santo Domingo”, “Chac Mool”). It races back and forth between Mexican folk and psychedelia, even showing some Middle Eastern influence on the Moorish track “Atman”. 11:11 is an ode to triumph; to sexual conquest; to spontaneous scuba diving adventures. It’s a spectacular simple-yet-layered instrumental album which you can turn to when you’re feeling down to pick you right back up and remind you that this world is overflowing with beauty and boundless potential. Carpe Diem.
4.3/5
the band is currently ON TOUR
