As a pair of musicians whose specialty is playing classical guitars
with inspiration coming from the likes of Metallica, Overkill, and
Slayer, Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero very much have dichotomy
at the heart of what they do. Like the duo’s breakthrough self-titled
2006 album, 11:11 is an all-instrumental affair overflowing with
plenty of rapturous strumming and rhythmic foreplay. Steeped in the
spirit of flamenco guitar, this collection of songs never trails off
into New Age-y noodling. Instead, the aggressiveness of the twosome’s
heavy metal influences clearly comes across.
Rather than throw in covers of Led Zeppelin and Metallica as they
did on their last outing, Rodrigo y Gabriela instead uses each
self-penned track on the new album as a tribute to their influences.
“Buster Voodoo” is a clear Jimi Hendrix homage that includes a quote
from “Voodoo Chile.” Testament’s Alex Skolnick contributes a plugged-in
solo that fits right into the Middle Eastern-flavored “Atman.” Pink
Floyd is given its due on the Gypsy-like title cut, acoustic guitar
impresarios Strunz and Farah drop in to solo on the Paco de
Lucia-inspired “Master Maqui,” and Dominican jazz pianist Michel Camilo
is honored on the spry and infectious “Santo Domingo.” This is that
rare release that appeals to those whose tastes run to Michael Hedges
as well as heavy metal. (ATO)
