Colombian band Frente Cumbiero is not your typical ‘world music’ group. Their sound is very much rooted in traditional music, from the Latin beats to the dual horns. But the band’s modern interpretation of these traditions is fresh and exciting.

On top of classic Colombian beats, there are restrained synths which occasionally grow to sound like a visiting UFO, and horns that know how to fit into the genre’s structure while also being willing to experiment and groove. The whole thing had a sheen of reverb and delay about it that almost made the set feel unworldly. At once familiar and strange. And undeniably hip. Even their matching outfits were sharp and modern-retro chic.

The band’s sound was fantastic, and the mix of the live instruments with the more artificial synth sounds interesting. The glue holding it all together was the Latin beat that made you want to dance. Imagine If the Lounge Lizards were Colombian.

The audience that made it to Cafe de Paris on Sunday afternoon were lucky to have the chance to see Frente Cumbriero, a band that still doesn’t have a large following outside of Columbia. I predict, however, that this following will grow.