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Product Description
Review
Never was a record more a case of ‘does what it says on the sleeve’ than this fourth studio long-player from Los Angeles-based (usually) hardcore quintet The Bronx: while it continues the band’s habit of only ever self-titling their releases (pity poor iTunes), it replaces muscular punk rock with affectionately arranged mariachi rhythms.
Frontman Matt Caughthran manages the switch from throat-shredding hostility to tender torch-song sing-alongs remarkably well, showcasing a depth to his vocals that few could have foreseen after three previous albums characterised by aggression, albeit of a controlled and rather cartoon variety. He shines throughout this album, like never before.
Musically, though, there are few surprises. This is precisely what an absolute beginner would expect from a mariachi album: all Spanish guitar twangs, brass toots and sprightly, albeit fairly passive, percussion present and correct. It’s hard to know just how faithful it is without studying the genre in greater depth, but if The Bronx’s aim is to introduce new ears to a variety of music that’s existed since the 18th century, then they’ve unequivocally succeeded.
The pace is uniformly steady – there are no fancy flourishes designed to set the hairs on edge, and consistency is established through a succession of gently swaying arrangements that caress the ear drums into contentment. It’s not the kind of delight that has your fingertips feeling electrified, nor the sort that spins your stomach around and has you wondering how you never heard this music before – this is simply an accomplished set of songs that pay homage to a form of music that rarely gets heard outside of Mexico.
As such, the repeat-play value of Mariachi El Bronx is strictly limited – it is something of a novelty album, and certain sections of The Bronx’s fanbase will regard it as indulgence for the sake of it; fun for sure, but only for a listen or two. Yet as the end product of a labour of love for its makers it should be regarded as a fine achievement, and the band must be proud that their commitment has been rewarded by serious critical coverage.
But next time out: plug the guitars in, okay guys? --Mike Diver
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I've heard The Bronx. Love 'em. Got all the albums, etc, etc. Yes, they sound just a bit harder hitting and stylistically rather different to this guise. I should start by reiterating what Ian Winwood said in Kerrang's - 5K - review of this in saying that I'm not qualified to comment on the authenticity of this take on Mariachi either. Broad as my tastes are, it's not exactly part of my staple listening.
What I can say is it oozes warmth and soul, and a wonderful bittersweet effect created by very human tales of love, friendship, longing, failings, disappointment, etc, being delivered with the uplifting gusto of the instrumentation and fantastic songwriting. Those who utter the word 'novelty' in connection with this album aren't paying attention and certainly aren't doing it justice. It's fleet-footed and totally convinces in it's sincerity.
Also, I've always thought Matt Caugthran has an astonishing voice, able to twist an impassioned scream into a melody like Cobain did. Here he shines too, albeit in a slightly more subtle manner, and deserves a special mention. It's not entirely surprising though, when you've heard The Bronx's occasional moments of (relative!) restraint. Not to detract from the band as a whole, who also sound incredible, months of respectful practice being obvious.
I had absolute faith that this record would be good. It is. Very. Buy.
What I can say is it oozes warmth and soul, and a wonderful bittersweet effect created by very human tales of love, friendship, longing, failings, disappointment, etc, being delivered with the uplifting gusto of the instrumentation and fantastic songwriting. Those who utter the word 'novelty' in connection with this album aren't paying attention and certainly aren't doing it justice. It's fleet-footed and totally convinces in it's sincerity.
Also, I've always thought Matt Caugthran has an astonishing voice, able to twist an impassioned scream into a melody like Cobain did. Here he shines too, albeit in a slightly more subtle manner, and deserves a special mention. It's not entirely surprising though, when you've heard The Bronx's occasional moments of (relative!) restraint. Not to detract from the band as a whole, who also sound incredible, months of respectful practice being obvious.
I had absolute faith that this record would be good. It is. Very. Buy.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I'd never heard of The Bronx, apparently they're an LA "Punk" Band. But this isn't punk, the clues in the title "Mariachi", that's Mexican traditional music (I think).
Loads of horns, accordians and big accoustic guitars (they've probably got a Mexican name).
There's not a bad track on this album and they're all great songs so I'll not list them.
Give it a try and don't be narrow minded, turn it up and just enjoy one of the best albums of the year.
Loads of horns, accordians and big accoustic guitars (they've probably got a Mexican name).
There's not a bad track on this album and they're all great songs so I'll not list them.
Give it a try and don't be narrow minded, turn it up and just enjoy one of the best albums of the year.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Apparantly this was a punk band who at a gig did a mariachi number for a laugh and got a rave reception so did more numbers and finally produced this album. Really cheery to move around to, a good party addition to vary the pace, and excellent to add to an eclectic collection. We heard it in an Edinburgh bar, asked for the band and ordered it having not heard all the tracks - we weren't disappointed!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Wow.
A couple of tracks were played on the radio and I decided to get this CD. has become a favorite in the house and most gets alot of requests in the car.
Published 17 months ago by Nick McKeown
Good time music!
A fine, brassy Mex collection! Played with love and a great loose feel, in the best possible way. Makes me want to head down to Chiapas tonight!
Published on 3 Feb 2010 by EM Eames
total quality
Even though this is not my normal thing I heard a killer tune on 6 music, bought the album and love it. Read more
Published on 13 Nov 2009 by Mr. J. L. Christian
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