Los Hijos de la Montaña

Following the success in 2016 of two collaborative albums – with novelty Smiths/Morrissey coverists Mexrissey and the more vital Tucson-based Orkesta Mendoza – Calexico’s Sergio Mendoza has re-released this moody, mellifluous 2014 recording, featuring vocals by Portland-based Luz Elena Mendoza. The sound ranges widely, from New Age soundscapes to Latino mock-goth, and everything in between. ‘La Bala’ is a straightforward pop song, with Rod Stewart-style lilting strings. The next, ‘One Breath, One Soul’, sounds like a mix of Native American beats with an Andean band and vocals by a postmodern Joan Baez. Elsewhere, Mercedes Sosa, mariachi music and Lila Downs are all points of reference. All this is totally to the good. Mendoza doesn’t loiter in safe spaces, and this album is most fun when the genre-warp is full-on.

His Tucson compadres provide all the necessary atmosphere via twangy and fuzzy guitars, old-school synths, blasts of brass and saloon-bar piano. Luz Elena’s vocals are superb throughout, by turns folksy, febrile, sultry and spiritual. Originally released as digital-only, here’s hoping the CD and vinyl release gets this ambitious and artful album the attention it deserves.