Narration X

Rodrigo and Gabriella return to Dublin

Vicar St. Dublin, Sunday the 15th of November 2009

Few artists have the ability to transcend genre by attracting such a wide spectrum of followers from different walks of life as Rodrigo and Gabriella do.

Vicar St. last Sunday was like a who’s-who of Dublin demography. Representing emos, office monkeys, rockers, yuppies and even a few chavs, all-present with one common goal: To watch and listen to the entertaining, magical tour-de-force that is Rodrigo and Gabriella.

My jaw must have dropped at least thirty times during what must have been one of the tightest sets I have ever seen. RodGab have come along way since their debut album that we all love, having transformed themselves into musical legends at such an early stage in their career.

RodGab opened the set with lots of new tracks, many quite short, but all punchy with fresh and exclusively unique rhythms. They were full of energy, standing for most of the gig, occasionally turning to face one another to have a quick “set” related conversation. They cascaded from one track to another with flawless ease taking us on a musical journey infused with majestic classical guitar melodies, uplifting latin-esque movements, riffs from the heavy tomes of metal and descents into atonal vignettes that would make even Radiohead proud.

The new use of new effects, especially the “wa-wa” was a welcome addition to their already riveting sound. Gabriella was on form with her signature guitar drumming, which at points has evolved into a rave-like dance beat that really got the crowd amped.

Rodrigo and Gabriella bring people together. In an era of depressing global economic deluge, their sheer tenacity, intense passion and nonchalance for convention sheds a glimmer of hope, by showing us a innovative and mature worldview not driven by faux-faced commercialism.

Welcome home to Dublin RodGab!