The Album of the Week on New Model Rádio goes to OurHome, the latest release from the acoustic duo Rodrigo y Gabriela. This extraordinary album combines thrilling guitar virtuosity with an urgent message about protecting our only home.
Guitars as the voice of nature
The Mexican acoustic duo Rodrigo y Gabriela once again proves that they don’t need accompanying words to convey emotion and a powerful idea. Their latest release, OurHome, is inspired by the beauty as well as the vulnerability of our planet. Known for their unique fusion of flamenco techniques, rock energy, and vibrant rhythm, the musicians have transformed the organic sound of two acoustic guitars into a compelling call to save nature.
A major highlight of the album is the presence of exceptional guest artists who bring new dimensions to the pair’s acoustic universe. The track Akatsuki features the virtuous Japanese jazz pianist Hiromi, while on Simurgh, Rodrigo y Gabriela join forces with legendary ex-Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman. These collaborations underscore the record’s international and genre-defying character, giving the album a remarkably lively, organic, and visionary feel.
“When creating OurHome, we didn’t just feel the need to make music, but to give voice to something greater than all of us. For us, the guitar is an instrument through which we translate the language of nature into notes.”
A Choice from the Heart over a Predictable Trend
Choosing this week’s Album of the Week was no easy task. The duo’s biggest contender was undoubtedly the anticipated new studio release from Irish post-punk sensation Fontaines D.C. Their album is indisputably great, energetic, and filled with uncompromising urban poetry. However, it is almost certain that this record will completely flood most other music media and radio stations in the coming days.
While Fontaines D.C. dominate the charts and the musical mainstream, we decided to make space for a release that offers an authentic pause and an organic connection to the essence of music. Rodrigo y Gabriela have created a work that needs no flashy gestures to strike a chord deep within the listener.
“Our goal was not to make an album that would dominate popularity charts, but a recording that would remind people how important it is to slow down and listen to the world around us.”
Rodrigo y Gabriela’s album ‘OurHome’ is an authentic, musically diverse and incredibly lively release, which you can enjoy to the full this week on our online broadcast on the Mixcloud platform.
NMR (photo: press Rodrigo y Gabriela)
