Rodrigo Y Gabriela - 11:11

Rating:

* * * *

The new album from Mexican acoustic guitar duo, Rodrigo y Gabriela, is not as catchy as their previous self-titled album, which included a cover of

Stairway To Heaven

.

And it's not surprising really considering

11:11

is a tribute-cum-concept album made up of 11 tracks about musicians who have inspired them. Some of these people are well known, like Jimi Hendrix (saluted with some fiery wah, wah on

Buster Voodoo

), and Pink Floyd (who are lauded on the title track). Yet others are more obscure, like Mexican composer Jorge Reyes, and some are downright intriguing, like 70s world fusion ensemble Shakti who inspire the deranged

Savitri

.

And one of the best things about

11:11

is it inspires you to seek out these often weird and wonderful musical characters that have influenced R&G's unique sound.

While 11:11 is still rooted in the fast flamenco-meets-metal style that makes them unique - with Rodrigo leading and Gabriela strumming, thrashing and bashing her instrument like a guitarist and percussionist all in one - they branch out into more varied styles (one of the best being the rousing tango of

Hora Zero

) and diverse instrumentation, including electric guitar on

Atman

(a tribute to the late Dimebag Darrell of Pantera).

Scott Kara