To the UK ear, there’s still something novel about The Bronx’s almost two-decade-old mariachi side project. Of course, being California natives, it’s a familiar style of music to the venerable punk rippers. However, for the UK listener, it’s a wonderful but relatively unusual sound, full of colourful rhythms and fiery lyrics. It’s an approach that actually suits The Bronx perfectly. Like their usual high-energy punk rock, these twelve songs are similarly charged and passionate, just without the familiar shouty vocals and distorted guitars. Frontman Matt Caughthran showcases a fabulous singing voice, regaling tales of loves lost (‘Fool’s Gold’), gambling woes (‘Gambler’s Prayer’) and revolutionary battles (‘Bandoleros’). It’s all intoxicating, right down to the album’s cover art with its sun-scorched vibe that begs to be thrust head-first into.
