I made two nice discoveries today - Rodrigo y Gabriela and Varttina. I know Varttina has been around for some time - I guess I sorta missed that boat.
AMG 4.5 STARS
While Rodrigo y Gabriela's self-titled third album is an utter and complete joy to listen to -- actually, it's more of a riotous celebration -- it's more than difficult to describe exactly what they do. This Mexican guitar duo met while in a heavy metal outfit together and soon found the local scene wanting. Both had roots in flamenco and other folk and rock music; they dropped the electric guitars -- and bandmates -- to travel light. They headed off to Europe, and ended up busking in Ireland, where their renown spread as instrumentalists who had to be seen to be believed.
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AMG 4.5 STARS
Stripped-down, lean, and mean, Värttinä have come up with a concept album of sorts, dedicated to the sun goddess of Finnish myth.
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