Mariachi El Bronx - Mariachi El Bronx

Mariachi El Bronx- Mariachi El Bronx
The Bronx have never convinced me. They are ostensibly a hardcore band, but they have never struck me as being particularly authentic. They are hardcore for the Kerrang! and Rock Sound crowd. This is their alter ego, the same band playing mariachi flavoured acoustic rock and this is the first album as MEB (they have a habit of releasing self titled albums). This sounds much more credible to me but what do I know about mariachi music.

At its best, as on Cell Mates and Quinceniera, this is glorious, uplifting and emotional. My Love is the simplest song here with a gentle strummed guitar and accordion, but it is effective. Holy is both romantic and dangerous. The excellent Silver Or Lead is dramatic and sounds like it could be the soundtrack to some border town showdown while Despretador and Clown Powder stumble along like a drunken uncle at a wedding.

The arrangements bring Sufjan Stevens' 'Illinoise' album to mind and despite the subject matter of outlaws and desperados, this is a beautiful and emotionally affecting album. The musical style also highlights how good the band are as songwriters and musicians, and how strong singer Matt Loughthran's vocals are. This is a very good album.