AcollaradosDiatribe ****

Maturity doesn't have to include conservative thinking, as Lunfardia prove with brio on their effervescent second recording. Argentinian guitarist and composer Ariel Hernandez is the fulcrum on which Lunfardia turn: their cosmopolitan, erudite mix of South American folk music shot through with an innate desire to kick against the traces. What's most striking since Picada Pa'Cinco,their confident 2008 debut, is Hernandez's growing comfort with writing for the specific musicians in the band, with Dos Hogares es Ningunoacting as a bespoke suit for double bassist Malachy Robinson. Astor Piazzolla's Escualo, as well, acts as a safety net beneath the trapeze artistry of Ioana Petcu- Colan's violin. Rhythmically, Lunfardia stretch notions of time-keeping deliciously, leading and driving and, at times, languourously leaning against the melody lines with sensual intent. Hernandez's unforced vocals are a perfect foil to the jagged edged beauty of Dermot Dunne's accordion. Layer after layer reveals itself with each successive listen. See lunfardia.com

Download tracks:Sueñero, Zamba de Navidad