The rough, raw vallenato of Colombia's coast gets a heavy workout on
Escape Room
. The only difference is that this music originates in Los Angeles, although you'd never know it from listening. Think of this as a punk record, in your face and eminently danceable, but led by accordion instead of electric guitar. They're popular on their home turf and it's easy to understand why. Whether
Very Be Careful
are performing their own compositions or covers of old cumbias like
"Sin Consuelo,"
this is complete party music that makes no concessions to location; there's absolutely nothing of California, or even of North America, in the group's sound. The vocals sometimes barely hang onto tunefulness, and there are no flashy shows of virtuosity. This is a band doing what it does best -- pushing across the music and keeping a relentless groove going. For anyone who thinks music with an accordion can't be irresistible, think again. This is a sound to get the dead dancing. ~ Chris Nickson