Rodrigo Y Gabriela. 9 DEAD ALIVE. Rubyworks

As one of the first journalists to review this duo I have followed each exciting musical move from the earliest of days. What continues to surprise me is how an acoustic guitar duo, albeit some of the finest players around at the moment, is their popularity which results in sellout live audiences worldwide. I have seen them on several occasions and each time to larger crowds . I was also lucky enough to interview Gabriela during the early period of the duo’s popularity climb.

Each record released by them brings out something new and this is no exception. All the brand new songs here are composed by the duo to honour people from the past whose influences have survived from as far back as 1204. And the music here reflects the extreme diversity of the characters honoured.

Opener ‘The Soundmaker’ (dedicated to Antonio de Torres Jurado: 1817-1892) treads familiar rocky territory although the pace varies cleverly throughout from rampaging to slow contemplation. The song features a strong melody, powerful ryhthmic backdrop (usually with Gabriela beating the heart out of guitar) and arguably some of the most tantalizing guitar playing on the record. Stunning!

‘Torito’ (dedicated to animals and nature) opens in relentless rocky style before entering more jazzy territory. The interpretation covers a host of sounds and pace to reflect the wide and beautiful diversity of animals and nature. The song is underpinned by another fabulous melody. ‘Sunday Neurosis’ (dedicated to Viktor Frankl: 1905-1997) is an altogether more moody and threatening composition whose pace dives following the song’s opening minute to reflect quiet and deep contemplation. Having listened several times to this it remans my favourite track on the album. For the first time I can remember on a RyG song there are spoken voices which together with the playing remind me of Pink Floyd at their most moving. This song is very beautiful, very emotive.

‘Misty Moses’ (dedicated to Harriet Tubman: 1820-1913) is one of the songs here that most remind me of past duo glories while ‘Somnium’ (dedicated to Sor Juana Ines de las Cruz: 1651-1695) has a distinct Spanish flavour as it meanders along with occasional moments of high excitement. Another stunner!

Another highlight for me is the classical-flavoured ‘Megalopolis (dedicated to Gabriela Mistral: 1889-1957) which boasts the most powerful and memorable melody on the album. It’sd also one fot he most complex songs with changes of pace and mood which add to something that’s a compelling listen.

The closing track ‘La Salle Des Pas Perdus’ (dedicated to Eleanor of Aquitane: 1112-1204) opens with voices before some of the album’s most subtle and complex guitar playing takes over to transport one to medieval times. It’s a stunning conclusion to a wonderful and essential album, and the duo’s best yet.

5/5

Album Background

Acoustic guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela are back with their new album: “9 Dead Alive”. The album was recorded and produced by Rod & Gab at their studio in Ixtapa, Mexico. Mixing was handled by Andrew Scheps (Black Sabbath, Adele, Metallica, Lana Del Rey) in Los Angeles.

’9 Dead Alive’ sees Rodrigo y Gabriela playing face to face, guitar versus guitar, bursting with melodic energy and rhythmic invention. Recorded at their Pacific Coast hideaway in late summer, the album captures the warmth and spontaneity of two great musicians riffing and jamming together; perfectly distilled into 9 new songs.

Each of the songs on the album is a personal celebration of individuals who have passed on, but through their deeds and words still resonate in the 21st century. Going as far back as Eleanor of Acquitaine (1122 – 1204) to Viktor Frankl (1905 – 1997), and including a tribute to one of Rod & Gab’s enduring touchstones – animals and nature. This diverse and fascinating list will strike a chord with anyone familiar with the duo’s passion for human rights, literature, history and philosophy.

Rodrigo y Gabriela’s last album of all new music was 2009’s “11:11”. Since then they have collaborated on the soundtracks to both ‘Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Shores’ and ‘Puss N’ Boots’ and visited Havana to record the ‘Area 52′ album with a Cuban orchestra. They have continued to tour the world, playing sellout shows last year at the Hollywood Bowl and Red Rocks, Colorado.