IN April last year the Gipsy Kings assembled in a refurbished farmhouse deep in rural France, sat in a semi-circle with their guitars, and began to try out familiar material and create new songs.

For the French group that modernised flamenco music for the heavy metal and hip-hop world, it was goodbye to synthesisers and electronic effects and au revoir to hi-tech studios in Paris.

Proud and determined, the Gypsy Kings have created a powerful and lasting collection through the simple act of returning to their humble beginnings. The 16-track album kicks off with Aven Aven, a joyous song sung in Catalan filled with romantic expectation.

Another highlight is Legende - a plea to the divine to help a wandering gipsy find his true path. The Gipsy Kings have found theirs by returning to their roots.

Updated: 08:39 Thursday, March 25, 2004