Rodrigo Y Gabriela - 'Re-Foc' (Rubyworks)
3/5
By: Clara Burtenshaw
Having made a name for themselves on the Irish live-scene, Mexican-born Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero attempt to translate the virtuosity of their guitar-playing to CD, recording 'Re-foc' with the aid of cult Dublin singer, Damien Rice.
And listening to the outcome, there is no doubt that this duo must be visually and audibly impressive live; unfortunately, however, much of the ambience and soul captured amid such a context is lost on this lavishly produced and polished work - leaving behind a product that's simply not quite sure what it wants to be.
An entirely acoustic album, void of the vocals that have made other Latin guitar groups such a big hit on these shores, winning over the casual listener will not come with ease. This does not, however, make the velvety soundscapes or accompanying orchestral arrangements any less engaging; combining jazz-standards and Latin rhythms, Rodgab should secure fans of traditional Mexi-folk and flamenco - the multi-cultural embracing listener, who's CD-collection includes the distressing 'open-minded' feast of treats ranging from 'Sounds of Africa', to 'Pan Pipe Moods', and even 'Jane McDonald', satisfying the (secretly) stoner-classical fans alike.
With a dash of Irish folk-violin an evident influence from their time spent in the Emerald Isle, this album is a wildly sophisticated and creative tour de force, and makes for the most part an intoxicatingly exotic listen.
And with many complex strands weaving in and out of each other, 'Re-foc' will make an idyllic backdrop to swanky dinner-parties and tapas bars... even though you may well find it hard to listen to two tracks without wanting to order a starter.
Artists in this article: Rodrigo Y Gabriela
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