Review: Mariachi el Bronx - III
By Christopher Reinbold, Contributor
[ATO; 2014]
Rating: 5/10
Key Tracks: “Right Between the Eyes,” “Raise the Dead”
If anyone has heard of The Bronx, you’ll know that it has its roots in the vintage hardcore of the 70s and 80s West Coast hardcore scene, but pushes through modern production and heavy-hitting songwriting to bring the genre into today’s day and age. Mariachi el Bronx is The Bronx’s Latin-flavored alter ego. Mariachi el Bronx is comprised of the same members as the original band, but they also incorporate multiple auxiliary musicians to flesh-out a full-fledged mariachi sound.
Mariachi el Bronx has always seemed to be nothing more than a novelty act, something the band did for fun while it wasn’t churning out more serious punk rock. On previous releases, the band seems to rest on every single mariachi cliché in the book--from the sparse, slappy, finger-picked guitar to the trumpets that don’t sound too dissimilar from what you’d hear in an ad for a Mexican restaurant or a hot sauce commercial.
On its new album, III, Mariachi el Bronx does improve and push on from playing the most typical “south-of-the-border” sounds to actually encompassing real songwriting and a more inventive approach to this Latin big-band form. There are some parts that seem to sound like a backing instrumental to a Ricky Martin song, like album opener “New Beat.” No kidding, it sounds like it could sit next to “Livin’ La Vida Loca.” Although it may not be the most original sound, it is pleasant. It has a flow and rhythmic intensity that is only truly exhibited in Latin music and puts it in the context of a pop song that isn’t regurgitated Top 40.
However, this album does have some impressive peaks. “Raise the Dead” begins by putting jaw dropping, fleeting guitar work on full display. The ¾ time signature adds a nice dance feel to the music and makes you want to move. The song is also devoid of the sometimes-cheesy horns that Mariachi el Bronx enjoys. The horns are used as a back-up to the powerful chorus, as are some violins. The chorus is one of the highest climaxes of the album through the use of the strings and horns, adding emphasis to vocalist Matt Caughthran’s voice.
“Right Between the Eyes” begins with a bass-note oscillation and a hard-strummed flamenco guitar rhythm. Immediately, a beautiful horn interlude takes over and gives way to Caughthran’s vocals and a commanding drum beat is accented by the bass. This song is the highest point on the album and exhibits that Mariachi el Bronx is not just a novelty act but can write good, pop-inflected mariachi music. The second trumpet interlude in the song sounds like it is backed up by a small chorus of people and makes the hair on your neck stand on end.
While most of the album is an improvement from previous efforts, especially with beefier production, the band still has a lot of growing to do if it expects to be taken seriously. Maybe this isn’t the goal; maybe it’s all about nothing more than having a good time.
Mariachi el Bronx’s III does exhibit some shiver-inducing moments and shows the band does have the ability to branch out and become more than just a novelty. Give it a listen, be entertained. The album will leave you wanting more of the peaks delivered throughout. Hopefully the band can do just that with later releases.
