THERE can’t be many groups named after Chilean football hooligans, especially in Mexico. And while a good few bands in Mexico City play ska, none do it quite like Los de Abajo. Fortunately Talking Heads’ David Byrne had the good sense to sign the band on his label, dubbing the music salsa punk.

That was 15 years ago and since then they have been touring as relentlessly as they’ve changed line ups, all the time developing into a sort of Latin American Bellowhead. The new album, though, is an introspection. Looking at their own traditions, Los de Abajo ask what is, in fact, Mexican? Their answer is Mariachi Beat, a heady cocktail of La Bamba, hip hop, natty dread and Niles Rogers.

But it’s surprisingly coherent and often not a million miles away from the music played in a hundred and one bars along Acapulco Beach. Me Dejo, Mexicano and Mexican Underdogs are the standouts and if this Indian summer continues, Mariachi Beat is its perfect accompaniment. Tequila Sunrise anyone?