Only a few years ago, the Gotan Project was an intriguing, novel hybrid; now there are people who think that the tango can only be performed over thundering electronic dub. Fortunately we have the excellent Tango Crash to inform us otherwise. This Argentinian outfit, now based in Berlin, has developed a distinctively new style of tango, influenced by jazz, contemporary classical music and electronica, while maintaining strong links with the dance form's rich traditions. The compositions are the key to their success - powerful and dramatic pieces by pianist Daniel Almada and cellist Martin Iannaccone.

Tango Crash produce a big sound from the decidedly non-conventional lineup of bandoneon, cello, piano, drums and percussion, occasionally augmented by reeds or voices. Nicolas Nobili's spoken-word contributions on four tracks give the album a "world cinema" feel. Otra Sanata plunges the listener into an urgent, hustling underworld, while the labrynthine, staggered counterpoint of Desintegrados feels like something from a psychological thriller: "These are the reflections of a mournful city ... Even if I scream here, nothing happens." (Well, it sounds good in Spanish.)

Lopecito continues the mood on Milonga Para Alberto (remix), with: "Hay miseria en las discos" ["There's misery at the discotheques"]. The production is sharp and clear throughout, with clever integration of acoustic and electronic sounds, but Almada and Iannaccone never lose the plot or the necessary emotion, throwing in all the grand gestures you expect from tango. Nice website, too.

* Download: Otra Sanata, Muñeca Fallada, Balbon