XIXA ★★★★ Genesis JULLIAN. CD/DL/LP

A newish offshoot of the Tucson Americana scene (this is their second full album), XIXA’s sound is a mysterious mix of Arizona desert rock and psychedelic Peruvian cumbia, with propulsive drums, heavy guitars, dreamy vocals and a big dash of prog. There are traces of their Arizona forefathers Giant Sand in closing song Feast Of Ascension, and of an edgier, more out-there Calexico in the soundtrack-like instrumental breaks (May They Call Us Home). A unique, addictive album.