Survivors of the Munich punk scene (particularly the band InPalumbia), G.Rag y los Hermanos Patchekos revel in cumbia and a host of other Latin American folks sounds. They dress up these sounds in jazz, prog, punk, whatever. Deconstructing what the band is doing at any given moment might be educational, but it's missing the point.

G.Rag y los Hermanos Patchekos Esperanza (self-released)

So would be asking the question "What are a bunch of Germans doing playing New World folk?" It doesn't matter. The kinetic energy of the band is irresistable, and the grooves are infectious. Yeah, the sounds are changed a bit in translation (musical, not lyrical, as most of these songs are sung in English), but that's just part of the charm.

And if they want to take some free jazz, drop in some bongo-driven beats and then douse it all in dub, why the hell not? This is the band's tenth album, and these are the assured songs of a well-oiled outfit. The more impressive feat is how much creativity still burns in such a venerable act.

This album wanders all over the place, though the general theme does reflect the title ("Hope", in English). So what are a bunch of folks from Munich doing playing all this New World stuff? Kicking ass, that's what. Marinate in the abundance of sound and let go of your concerns. Way solid.

Jon Worley