11:11 : Rodrigo y Gabriela
 The long awaited follow up to their 2006 self-titled debut, which has enjoyed worldwide sales in excess of half a million albums. Includes Bonus DVD with tutorials, exclusive interviews, & live concert footage ! 11:11 was recorded in Ixtapa, Mexico and produced by Rodrigo y Gabriela, with John Leckie co-producing one of the tracks. The album was mixed in Wales and London by Colin Richardson, best known for his work with Slipknot and Trivium. Comprising 11 new original compositions, 11:11 is the band s personal Gracias to 11 musicians, both past and present, who have inspired them along the way. Alex Skolnick of metal gods Testament guests on the album, as do widely respected acoustic veterans Strunz & Farah. If their self-titled debut was a successful attempt at capturing the unbridled dynamic energy of their incendiary gigs (mostly recorded live in the studio, with very few overdubs); then the new album sees them developing their core sound into something more sophisticated, intricate and varied. At the heart of the sound is still the stunning interplay between Rodrigo s dazzling lead work and Gabriela s unique rhythm play; but the base soundscape is now subtly supplemented by percussion, occasional piano and a fresh arsenal of stringed instruments from around the world, including oud and sitar. And - whisper it quietly the introduction here and there of electric guitar.
The tunes on this CD are not typical instrumentals; they have the feel of rock and roll--full of energy and drive, pushed by Gabriela's amazing ability to pound out a complex rhythm and play chords at the same time. And Rodrigo is an an incredibly skilled guitarist, carrying the melodies--sometimes with unbelievable speed and precision. "11:11" opens with the phenomenal "Hanuman", named for the Hindu monkey god and dedicated to Carlos Santana. It echos his style--but it rivals him in coolness. "Buster Voodoo" clearly borrows its riffs from Hendrix's "Voodoo Child." "Logos" and "Savriti" (the latter named for the Hindu sun god) are meditative pieces. "Master Maqui" and "Chac Mool" evoke ancient Toltec and Inca music. "Triveni" is at once calming and electrifying. "Atman", named for the Hindu Over-soul, is a beautiful piece dedicated to the late Pantera metal guitarist Dimebag Darrell. The closing piece, the title track, is dedicated to Pink Floyd. Considering the duo's admiration for Hendrix,Santana,and Pink Floyd--they admire psychedelic rock as much as they do heavy metal. It makes for a fascinating blend.
Song List: | 1. | Hanuman | | | 2. | Buster Voodoo | | | 3. | Triveni | | | 4. | Logos | | | 5. | Santo Domingo | | | 6. | Master Maqui | | | 7. | Savitri | | | 8. | Hora Zero | | | 9. | Chac Mool | | | 10. | Atman | | | 11. | 11:11 | |
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