Elegancia Tropical CD

Colombian combo Bomba Estereo have been causing quite a stir, particularly in the United States, where their tropical blend of South American instrumentation, folksy vocals and contemporary electronic elements has been greeted with rapturous reviews. Certainly, there's something pleasing about the effortlessly summery nature of their songs, and their willingness to experiment is positively thrilling. Contrast, for example, the Cumbia-goes-rap of the sweaty "Rocas", the next-level Latin pop of "Pure Love" and the lazy shuffle of "Lo Que Tengo Que Decir"; while hugely diverse musically, they make comfortable bedfellows. That's the mark of a band at the top of their game.

AfroBase (Radio Chart), Afro Beat Foundation, Soundway Records, Marflex