Gotan Project: Lunatico

Herald rating: * * * *

This moochie down-tempo stuff hasn't sounded this good in years. More often than not with this type of chilled-out music you just glaze over.

But there's no way the second album from this French trio will be content with being a soundtrack to your dinner party, or the accompaniment to a romantic winter night in front of the fire - although it's recommended for that, too.

Lunatico's mix of tango, dub and silky downbeat has an unnerving vibe that gives it a solid presence and one that demands being listened to. But don't be scared, because it's the romance that comes through most, like on the naughty Diferente and the flirty Mi Confesion.

And the interesting and lusty beats, like those on Criminal and Arrabal, will have you strutting round like a peacock.

Recorded in Paris and Buenos Aires (and in Arizona, with moody rockers Calexico adding their bit to opener Amor Porteno), Lunatico is even better than their stunning 2001 debut La Revancha del Tango.

By combining the timeless flavour of tango, sultry French passion, and the sounds of strings, shakers, accordion, brass and much more, Gotan Project sound unlike any other outfit around.

Label: XL Recordings