In Between Thoughts… A New World

The follow-up to the Mexican duo's Grammy-winning Mettavolution follows a similarly spiritual motivation – whereas that record was shaped by an interest in Buddhism, In Between Thoughts… A New World tracks the couple's study of the ancient Hindu philosophy known as Advaita Vedanta. Yet the similarity ends there, for the new record marks a major departure from the signature sound of the acoustic guitars that have been at the core of their work since their 2006 self-titled debut. Here Gabriela's percussive strumming is complemented by Rodrigo's intricate lead lines on electric guitar. Full of a mercurial energy, their interplay is embellished with analogue synths and mellotron, and ornamented by the lush strings of The Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra.

Sometimes the results are frenetic, as on the opener ‘True Nature’ and ‘Egoland’, while ‘Broken Rage’ lives up to its title with an almost heavy-metal vibe. On ‘The Eye That Catches the Dream’ and ‘Finding Myself Leads Me to You’ (with its robotic vocal effects) the sound is more aching and dreamlike, before the album ends on a high with the epic soundscapes of the title-track. Half a dozen albums into their career, Rodrigo y Gabriela could have settled into a comfortable formula, but instead they've bravely opted for new ground. There's not much left of their flamenco origins but if something is lost, much is also gained.