This is not your father's cumbia. Well, it's not really cumbia at all. It's more like a Doritos locos taco, something that finds inspiration in a traditional food (way back in the wayback) and then creates an American masterpiece. This Tucson outfit sure knows its roots, and the songs are sung in Spanish, but the wild swirl of musical influences makes this quintessentially American.

Los Esplifs ¡Estraik Back! (self-released)

And, um, look at the band name and album title. From the start, this is a conveyor belt of joy. These are serious (and seriously good) musicians, but they know how to have fun. If you're looking for a musical comparison, think of Paul Simon's work. He took the musical bones from different cultures (often hiring the original musicians themselves) and grafted his own musical and lyrical sensibility to them. Los Esplifs are clearly proficient in cumbia and other Latin folk sounds, but they also love new wave, punk, 60s psychedelia and plenty more.

Indeed, the overall theme of this album must be "plenty." Los Esplifs never run out of ideas or verve. The album weaves from song to song in a leisurely fashion, always finding something new and exciting around the next corner.

Easily one of the most fun albums I've heard this year. Los Esplifs are clearly have a good time, one that is utterly infectious. I suppose traditionalists might cringe, but in truth I doubt it. I mean, I like stewed pork and corn tortillas as much as the next guy, but I'll happy gorge on a couple of Doritios locos tacos as well. Variety is the spice of life, and Los Esplifs definitely bring the spice.

Jon Worley