The hiatus between albums only enriched the Delgado's musicianship and deepened their well of source material, from which they've drawn complex rhythms and honest lyrics. They rose upfrom the same family-dominated environs that shaped longtime compadres Los Lobos. The two bands share an affinity for tight playing and trying the unexpected, but where Los Lobos venture into specifically Latin territory and more esoteric directions, the vibrant heart of the Delgado's music is the eternally true blues and R&B. They weave in other elements - zydeco, polyrhythmic percussion, almost rockabilly bass - to create their engaging sound. They can spin from jump blues to driving numbers dripping with fat harmonica, National guitar and roadhouse piano, then downshift into backwoods bump-and-grinders with a conscience. Throughout, the signature elements of their sound are propulsive cross-currents of rhythm and Joe's clean, lean guitar leads.

It's hard to articulate the qualities that make them so refreshingly different. The Delgado Brothers say it best themselves in "Church of El Monte". It's a hand-clapping anthem about their family home, but iy can just as easily be interpreted as their generous view of life and the blues. Slide into the groove and let yourself in.....