9 Dead Alive
by Rodrigo y Gabriela
  • Record Label: ATO
  • Release Date: Apr 29, 2014
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. The Line of Best Fit
    Apr 28, 2014
    85
    9 Dead Alive has strength, beauty and often a spirit of engagement with the tenebrous. At times, dialogues areunresolved, yet despite (because of?) this, there is vital music-making from two uncompromising artists.
  2. Q Magazine
    May 20, 2014
    80
    Almost every track on this fifth LP is thematically inspired by a historical figure, which intrudes in the spoken passages of Sunday Neurosis, but otherwise inspires some of their most exciting music to date. [Jun 2014, p.119]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Mojo
    Apr 28, 2014
    80
    It's astonishing how lyrical just two guitars can be. [May 2014, p.94]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. AllMusic
    Apr 28, 2014
    80
    This album evidences an expanded creative reach for the pair, even as it re-engages the sharp edges they displayed on earlier recordings.
  6. musicOMH.com
    Apr 29, 2014
    70
    There’s nothing as immediate as Ixtapa or Tamacun here, but there’s plenty of well rounded paeans nonetheless, and you’re sure to find something to adore if you’re a fan of guitar music, Latin music or heavy metal.
  7. Consequence
    May 1, 2014
    67
    Fans of Rodrigo y Gabriela’s early albums will find much to enjoy on 9 Dead Alive. The duo has continued their journey toward creating a unique sound that stands astride the disparate worlds of flamenco, tango, rock, metal, and countless other genres.
  8. Filter
    Jun 24, 2014
    66
    Sometimes going back to what works can be a crutch and creatively stifling, but for Rodrigo y Gabriela, it’s a welcome return.
  9. Under The Radar
    Jun 6, 2014
    65
    It will surely thrill hardcore fans as its live feel and heavy metal influences are reminiscent of their turbocharged debut. [Jun/Jul 2014, p.95]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. Blurt Magazine
    Aug 15, 2014
    60
    For most, this will make superb background music for meditation or musing, a tangled tapestry that’s ideal as a soundtrack for seduction.
  11. Uncut
    May 7, 2014
    60
    The Mexican duo aren't quite in the Jansch/Renbourne class, but they create memorable tunes full of clever variations of timbre, texture and tone. [May 2014, p.78]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. The Guardian
    Apr 28, 2014
    60
    The tracks are mostly dedicated to historical figures, and the choices are often more unexpected than the music.
  13. Clash Music
    Apr 30, 2014
    50
    9 Dead Alive demonstrates amazing talent, then--but the ideas and theme, as a whole, are a bit samey.
  14. New Musical Express (NME)
    Apr 28, 2014
    50
    It’s all jam and no croissant, sadly.
  15. Magnet
    Jun 18, 2014
    20
    Rod and Gab's fifth album is bereft of personality. [No. 110, p.59]
    All this publication's reviews

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
tbd

No user score yet- Awaiting 3 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. chickenorpollo
    Mar 30, 2016
    8
    Great background music with some relaxing songs but still has a few songs that will really get your foot to start tappin'. Sure it doesn'tGreat background music with some relaxing songs but still has a few songs that will really get your foot to start tappin'. Sure it doesn't have tons of amazing covers like previous albums but this album still stands up with the rest.… Full Review »