Let’s hear it for motherhood

Never underestimate the positive effects of motherhood on a passionate Latina chanteuse. That was a possible reaction after witnessing Aterciopelados’ powerhouse performance Thursday at the Palace, the veteran Colombian group’s first L.A. concert since singer Andrea Echeverri gave birth to a baby girl last year.

It didn’t really matter that the group’s apex as a live act came in the late ‘90s, when its albums “La Pipa de la Paz” and “Caribe Atomico” positioned it at the top of the Latin rock game. Thursday’s show, with Echeverri, partner Hector Buitrago and four additional musicians, was still a fine example of prime Aterciopelados -- quirky, tuneful and buoyantly optimistic.

Most of the credit goes to Echeverri’s voice, which took flight on the beauty-is-on-the- inside anthem “El Estuche,” soared during the Queen en espanol “Juegale, Apuestale” (“Play the Game”) and emitted irresistibly happy vibrations during the bouncy “La Vida Brilla,” one of two new songs included in “Evolucion,” a new greatest-hits collection.

Aterciopelados’ only weakness is its decision to constantly reinvent its songs with jarring new arrangements that reflect its infatuation with lounge and electronica. But despite its pitfalls, this drive to experiment is the quality that is likely to put the duo on the path to sonic nirvana.