Review
The Bronx
IV

When we last left The Bronx, they were masquerading as their alter ego with the release of a second album under the Mariachi El Bronx moniker. This second helping of mariachi-style tunes confirmed that the venture was far from a gimmick. It also gave the band an opportunity to embrace their obvious love for the more melodious side of music. This harmonious detour has had a definite impact on their sound and serves as a driving influence on their first rock n’ roll offering in five years.

The Bronx were initially more of a hardcore/punk band that thrived on intensity rather than melody. However, some hooks started to sneak in and eventually became a genuine part of their sound. With The Bronx (IV), the band have returned as a fully formed modern day power pop juggernaut. The urgency is still present, but has now taken a back seat to an overall pop-rock sensibility that truly fuels this album.

Vocalist Matt Caughthran still sounds like he is pushing his vocal cords to the limit, but has built up some major melodic chops. The gravelly shouted vocal style that was prevalent on the early albums has been almost completely abandoned. While there was always an anthemic quality to his delivery, it now seems like Caughthran could cough up catchy hooks in his sleep. His evolution from a mere hardcore/punk vocalist to a full-fledged frontman is what truly makes this album memorable. 

The rest of the band have done an expert job in taking what are essentially straightforward rock songs and delivering them with such an abundance of energy that they virtually grab your fist and thrust it in the air. Not every song is a barn-burner, but the vitality always remains intact. There is something admirable about unabashedly embracing a desire to make rock music that the masses can enjoy. The Mariachi El Bronx albums are proof that the band do not feel the need to satisfy anyone’s expectations. However, it is clear that The Bronx had an agenda and that was to produce an album brimming with rock n’ roll high-fives.

Those who may have been anticipating a return to a more aggressive sound will definitely be disappointed. But for anyone who has been following The Bronx every step of the way, The Bronx (IV) seems like the next logical step in their evolution.