Being ill at gigs is not fun, but no way I’m missing this one. I’m bunged up and running a temperature and I’m also wearing a jumper in the usually warm Albert Hall. Maybe I can sweat it out. I’m here for Rodrigo y Gabriela. Two Mexican guitarists who belt out instrumental rock. I know that might sound like a hard sell but I’ve seen them before and trust me they’re brilliant. I won’t do don’t titles for this one, as I don’t know any and their sets are more of a mood anyway. Layering the two guitars, they really draw you in. Gabriela does appear to do a lot of the work, covering percussion with the body of her acoustic while Rodrigo shreds away. It’s not always full on, there is some pleasant flamenco fused noodling, but these two love a full throated riff. It’s fitting that I’m burning up, the stage bathed in red light, smoke pouring from it as a soundtrack of desert soaked aural cinema permeates the room. We’re treated to a new one called ‘Monster’ that’s not on the latest record as Gabriella informs us. She’s chatty, which is lovely. I always like it when artists are happy to take the mic between songs. It starts contemplative with Rodrigo down to a tshirt (I’m regretting my jumper) before the buzz guitars kick in and we’re off. It really lives up to its name! What’s also lovely is how much space they give each other. Trading solos before locking back in together. Rodrigo thanks us for supporting them and their weird music. He’s also chatty. More of this from bands please. What I’d like less of is drunk idiots. Some woman starts clapping out of time like a demented seal, which is a bit annoying, but it’s a largely chill audience. Rodrigo finally sits down at the slide guitar that’s been waiting, teasing us and the sound swells in Floyd-like sun-kissed euphoria. The stage is then cleared for Gabriella to do her thing solo. She’s mesmeric. Her fingers like rubber all over the guitar. I know it’s not likely to be for everybody, but they really are a lot of fun and ridiculously talented. It’s a pleasure to watch them play. Plus I think I’m a stone lighter as we reach the fresh air outside. So it’s win win.
