Xenophanes by Omar Rodriguez Lopez

Xenophanes by Omar Rodriguez Lopez
Review by John M. Ellison

It’s been awhile since I’ve heard some great guitar albums outside of the realm of Tony MacAlpine, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and all of the other virtuosos that I’m fond of. At first listen, I thought “this is a great guitar album.” But after repeated listening, I noticed there’s a lot more to it than just a “guitar album.” Lopez is reminiscent of Frank Zappa. In Lopez’s case, he’s a composer that is versatile in a variety of styles. Both composers used the guitar as a tool to communicate musical ideas but neither considered themselves “Guitar Gods.” In fact, Omar has stated that he “hates guitar.” Omar Rodriguez-Lopez is known for his work with bands such as “At the Drive In”, “The Omar Rodriguez-Lopez Quintet” and “The Mars Volta.” His 12th album Xenophanes is a Spanish language experimental rock/progressive rock album with fusion overtones.

This album is very reminiscent of Weather Report, Frank Zappa’s fusion era and in some cases Atheist’s “Elements” album.

This album has an amazing rhythm section comprised of Juan Alderete de la Pena on Bass, Thomas Pridgen on Drums, Marcel Rodriguez-Lopez on percussion and keyboards and Mark Aanderud featured on Additional Keyboards. This also features Ximena Sarinana on backing vocals. This band understands the art of blending virtuosity, songwriting and jamming. De la Pena’s slap bass and melodic fretless playing reminds me of Larry Graham and Les Claypool and at times reminiscent of Jaco Pastorious as well. Thomas Pridgen’s timing and amazing drumming makes even the oddest of time signatures seem effortless. Marcel and Mark’s keyboard work mixes melodic and synthesizer sounds that brings this band of virtuosos together like audio embroidery.

Every track on this album is great! Even thought the first track “Azoemia” is kind of minimal, it builds into something.

A few tracks that caught my ear were…

“Mundo De Ciegos” a heavy slap bass, odd time signature workout that sounds like the “pump up music” for two lab

technicians about to engage in fisticuffs over chemicals.
“Amarita Virosa” another odd time signature slap bass odyssey that reminds me of Les Claypool doing an intimate show at a Quinceañera.

“Desarraigo” This is one of the more atmospheric tracks. What caught me with Desarraigo would have to be the hooky melody. I could see this as a single.

With “Xenophanes” being in Spanish, this album proves that strong music transcends language barriers and really is a language of its own. Although I’m familiar with the work of At the Drive-In and The Mars Volta, this is the first time I’ve sat down to really listen and experience the compositional magic of Omar Rodriguez-Lopez. You can find this album about anywhere, whether through his website, iTunes and now in the U.S. wherever great music is sold.

• Omar Rodríguez-López – producer, guitars, vocals
• Juan Alderete de la Peña – bass
• Thomas Pridgen – drums
• Marcel Rodriguez-Lopez – percussion, keyboards
• Mark Aanderud – additional keyboards
• Ximena Sariñana – backing vocals