Sometimes it makes sense to state the obvious. The members of Locobeach are an international set of New York-based musicians, and to call this "supergroup" (a fair term for this quintet) a side project is not doing these songs justice.

Locobeach Psychedelic Disco Cumbia (Peace & Rhythm)

Yes, of course, Locobeach is not the main focus for any of these musicians. And yes, the album title pretty much sums up the musical approach. Traditional Latin rhythms played with untraditional instruments and set within a festive atmosphere. Instant party.

I suppose there are people somewhere who would resist these slinky beats, goofy keyboard riffs and lovely melodies. Maybe the Spanish sets them off. So sad. We are not going to worry about those folks. They've got a lot more problems than not giving in to infectiously joyous music.

For me, this is like musical crack. It's utterly accessible and flies into just the sort of fancies that trip my ears. Almost facile-sounding, but there is this insistent noodle that engages the thinking part of the brain. The attraction is instant, but it has real staying power.

Ultra-tight and almost criminally brilliant. If you don't have a smile on your face three bars in, you might as well start looking up Youth in Asia. The perfect soundtrack for your winter party season. And the rest of the year as well. Feel the bounce.

Jon Worley