Live In France

It’s a mark of Mexican guitar sensations Rodrigo Y Gabriela’s global appeal that they were recently commissioned to work alongside legendary composer Hans Zimmer on the Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides soundtrack. With momentum at an all-time high for the former Grafton Street buskers, there’s perhaps no better time for a new release. Thus we are presented with Live In France, their third official live offering. The trouble with a live record, much like watching a televised concert, is that something is invariably lost in translation. There simply is no substitute for actually being there and it’s only in very rare instances that you feel like you’ve been plucked out of your room and transported into a baying crowd. That said, it’s a credit to the duo that despite the tracks on display being recorded at various different venues throughout France, a strong sense of narrative and passion shines through.

Ably assisted by a series of enamoured and clap-happy audiences throughout, the songs have tremendous presence. ‘Savitri’ glows with irrepresible energy while the mesmerising shredding in ‘Buster Voodoo’ could easily soundtrack any epic Wild West showdown. Elsewhere, the title track from 2009’s ’11:11’ proves positively entrancing and offers the best illustration of the twosome’s phenomenal interplay while also demonstrating how far they have come as experimental musicians. Evidently, theirs is a sound that captures the hearts and imagination of their audience. A treat for guitar aficionados and casual listeners alike, even if you will wish you were in the front row.