From Balkan Beat Box in New York to Ozomatli in LA, there's a new batch of strong American bands taking inspiration from global and folk themes. Now comes an intriguing outfit from Colorado, who somehow mix Romany, Greek, Slavic, Bolero and Mexican mariachi music with a dash of New Orleans brass, and weave their unlikely influences into sturdy, emotional songs that veer between theatrical cabaret and personal confession. DeVotchKa have an unlikely history. They started out working in burlesque shows and touring with a fetish model, but built a following thanks to their impressive multi-instrumental skills: the four members play accordion, bouzouki, trumpets, violin, piano and sousaphone, as well as guitar, bass and percussion. Their best songs are epic and emotional, and range from the sweeping strings and south-of-the-border brass of Along the Way to the European Gypsy influences of Comrade Z. They are touring here next week, so let's hope they are this good live.