Music that attempts to fuse traditional and contemporary forms always draws some trepidation. Sometimes it works. After all, one of this year’s best shows combined Indian classical music with electronic grooves. Many times, however, the results are just schmaltzy dreck, devoid of any emotion or integrity.

Last night’s performance by the Mystic Warriors fell somewhere in between these two extremes. While the musicianship was first rate and the melodies and rhythms were haunting, there were moments of synthesized emptiness that took away the band’s sincere attempt to bring traditional South American music into the 21st century.

Mystic Warriors, led by Andres and Marco Mallea, specializes in music that comes from the Aymara culture of the Andes. Their sound is built around the pan flute and several traditional wind instruments, which included the charango, a lute-like instrument (the electric incarnation was featured last night), a variety of drums ranging from traditional animal skin instruments, congas, and a modern drum set. The group also featured electric bass and synthesized string sounds.