Rodrigo Y Gabriella

Rodrigo and Gabriela are the most interesting musicians that I have heard from in a long time. These guitarists are trained in the Spanish style and have been heavily influenced by metal bands like Metallica and Led Zeppelin. It has allowed them to create a style which really is all their own.

The music is split into two parts. Gabriella plays rhythm, and really makes it so, as her plucking and strumming not only creates music, but also an extremely rapid, percussive beat. Playing the leads is Rodrigo, whose fingers dance over the fret board.

Many of the songs here are in the tradition of classical Flamenco guitar, which means it is fast and elegant, and very detailed. This is not all the album holds. There is a fine cover of Metallica's "Orion" on here. "Orion" which was not a very good Metallica song, is a fantastic R&G song. Without the distortion, one can hear the music, and the percussive power of Gabriella's playing really makes the song. Also on this album is the best cover of "Stairway to Heaven" ever made, one which truly re-imagines the song and gives it new meaning.