Rodrigo y Gabriela: 11:11 (ATO)
Inspired as much by metal as salsa and classical guitar, acoustic duo Rodrigo Sanchez y Gabriela Quinetro fuse a worldly reverence with blistering riff work and scintillating solos. This, the couple's new studio album of 11 originals, is a forceful, kinetic crossroads of rock, flamenco, and Latin style with dashes of psychedelia — and even a moment of turntablism.
The duo's metal background is readily apparent on album opener "Hanuman" — as well as in frequent power-chord backdrops and palm-muted thrash leads — but traditional rhythms and melodies define the album. Guitar guru Alex Skolnick of Testament, no stranger to musical convergence, makes a guest appearance, emphasizing the appeal of 11:11 to guitar lovers of all stripes.
Celan: Halo (Exile on Mainstream)
Even when unexpected collaborations don't produce groundbreaking new sounds, the curiosity factor alone is enough to pique interest in a project.
Celan may not smash any boundaries, but its debut, Halo, is a fine down-tuned alt-metal collaboration built around an interesting partnership — guitarist/vocalist Chris Spencer from Unsane and keyboardist Ari Benjamin Meyers from Einsturzende Neubauten and Redux Orchestra.
With Spencer's punishing vocals and crunchy mid-tempo riffs, Celan doesn't stray too far from Unsane's style. But Meyers serves as a strong counterpart for Spencer, and his influence is best felt in the piano-centered conclusion to "Sinking" and the ambiance of "Washing Machine."
Bei Bei & Shawn Lee: Beauty and the Beats 10" EP (Ubiquity)
Hailing from Chengdu, China and residing in Orange County, instrumentalist Bei Bei is a master of the gu zheng — a traditional stringed Chinese instrument that belongs in the zither family. Her virtuosic skills have led to beautiful melodies, but Bei Bei isn't content to repeat the styles of her ancestors; during her short career, she has made a point to collaborate with specialists in hip hop, jazz, classical music, and more.
A short two-song, two-remix EP, Beauty and the Beats is another such crossover for Bei Bei, who here meets electro-funk multi-instrumentalist Shawn Lee. The resultant jams are a rare breed — gorgeous, head nodding, and awfully unique. "East" is the single's A-grade B-side (and a re-imagined rendition of Billy Paul's classic) , but "Make Me Stronger" isn't far behind with guest vocals from soul singer Georgia Anne Muldrow.
Expect greatness when the two release their full album in January.
