Mexican rhythmic guitar maestros Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero, more affectionately known as Rod and Gab, have been busy, quietly working away at their studio in Ixapta Mexico with the expertise of Andrew Scheps (Black Sabbath, Adele, Metallica, Lana Del Rey) entrusted with the mix.
Recorded in what was a late summer 9 Dead Alive sees the duo demonstrate their well versed and well educated view on the world, dedicating each song to inspiring and notable individuals who impacted mankind in one way or another and who’s deeds still linger today, as well as a tribute to their most enduring motivation – animals and nature.
As they face off guitar versus guitar, the exuberance and vibrancy of the story telling, without ever uttering a word, is to be revered. Showcasing classic rhythmic Spanish guitar on ‘The Soundmaker’ dedicated to Antonio de Torres Jurado, an infamous Spanish guitar maker who’s designs form the basis of the modern day acoustic guitar before moving to a slower ‘Sunday Neurosis’, provoking thought and reminding us of times of great depression as faced by Victor Frankl, a WWII holocaust survivor.
The intriguing properties of the album can be found in the researching of the names, reading their stories and then picking up on guitar licks, changes in pace, endless passion and the warmth and spontaneity placed into the songs that brings the tracks, and their stories to life.
An overwhelming sense of freedom and spirit that refuses to be tied down in the face of great adversity, an instrumental masterpiece as timeless as the figures themselves, Rod and Gab’s latest effort is one to sit back and relax too as world history is presented to you in 40 minutes.
