Robin Denselow 

Los De Abajo

Islington Academy, London
  
  


A rousing ska revival is always welcome and this was surely the global party of the year. The finest moment came when this energetic band from Mexico City decided it was time for a little British revivalism. As they launched, in Spanish, into the old Fun Boy Three hit The Lunatics Have Taken Over the Asylum, a delighted Neville Staples came on to remind them how the original had sounded 23 years ago. He was joined by Temple of Sound singer Neil Sparkes and guitarist Count Dubulah, who produced the latest and best of the band's albums, LDA v The Lunatics, and suggested they record the song. By the time they had finished, everyone was pogo dancing.

This was a cheerful reminder that ska lives on in Mexico and of how the band have progressed. Led by singer Liber Terán, who looked like some mildly crazed exile from the Alabama Three in his cowboy hat and dark glasses, the 10-piece band started at full tilt and continued at much the same pace for nearly two hours. They mixed hip-hop and ragga, Mexican and other Latin styles. A three-piece brass section was matched against percussion, sampling and more traditional instruments. As well-known Zapatista supporters, they included a burst of politics - a band member appeared in a George Bush mask, only to be ejected from the stage by other masked musicians hurling insults. This band has to be experienced live.

· At the Manor Ballroom, Ipswich, tonight. Box office: 01473 400154. Then touring.

 

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