The Bronx: The Bronx (IV)

The Bronx’s first non-mariachi release in five years, The Bronx (IV), starts off with the raw, power-punching song “The Unholy Hand.” The brash chorus and slick guitar solo adds an overwhelming amount of badassery to the 12-track album right from the start. As the disc rages on, one thing is for certain: This band has some serious passion and attitude. “Style Over Everything” cranks the album up a notch compared to its campy predecessor, “Along For The Ride.” Throughout the release, what stands out most is the nimble guitar riffs and raspy vocals that demand complete and total attention. The Los Angeles punk band invokes a nostalgic feeling of when venturing off to various VFWs to see some of the local favorites used to take up each weekend and the sense of camaraderie that was prevalent once one entered the venue. The timeless “Youth Wasted” continues providing the warm feelings of the past even with the walloping drums and anarchy-fueled lyrics.

The band shows a deeper side to them with the ballad “Life Less Ordinary.” The solemn song strips away the raspy vocals and replaces them with emotive ones that really make you feel the realness of The Bronx. Despite really enjoying the rough, energetic and thrash-fueling cuts on the disc, “Life Less Ordinary” really hit home and turned out being the standout track. The quintet doesn’t let the album stay mushy for too long, as it closes out with “Last Revelation.” If the finale doesn’t inspire a sing-a-long whether you’re at one of The Bronx’s shows or just listening to the album with friends, you may have a problem.

Ultimately, The Bronx are a really impressive band that can teach some of the old dogs in the industry a new trick or two.

In A Word: Outstanding