Slinky twin saxophones, bluesy guitar work, accordions, lyrics sung in English and Spanish and relentless grooves have always colored the sound of the Iguanas, a quintet easily able to convince fans to shed inhibitions and dance 'til they drop.

The quintet's fourth CD, recorded mostly live in the studio at Chez Flames in New Orleans and initially released on the band's own Blowout label, doesn't offer anything as bracing as earlier stand-out tunes like "Benny's Cadillac," "Boom Boom Boom" (heard on television's "Homicide") or "Para Donde Vas" (featured on the soundtrack of 1996's "Phenomenon"). Still, it makes for a pleasant sampling of new material, with vocalist-saxophonist Joe Cabral, singer-guitarist Rod Hodges, saxophonist Derek Huston, bassist Rene Coman and drummer Doug Harrison - plus guest trombonist Mark Mullins - turning in an appealingly eclectic program.

"Captured" opens the disc, with a tale of irresistible romantic attraction, told to a chunky backbeat and screaming six-string, and the rootsy garage-rock vibe continues with the harmonica-injected "Born Again Devil" and "You Killed My Buzz." The latter is a would-be party anthem perfect for those frequent occasions when the Iguanas play well into the wee small hours of the morning at such bohemian hang-outs as Cafe Brasil.

Various rhythms from south of the border anchor "La Llanta Se Me Poncho," "La Guera Felix" "Latin Kings" and "Arrimate." Retro pop is at the center of the creep-crawling "Love Terrifies Me" and "Dear Walter," packed with sweet harmonies, while modified funk feeds the flames of "Fire and Gasoline."

Planning a backyard bash this summer? Slip the Iguanas into the mix, and watch what happens.
- PHILIP BOOTH