Year in Rock 2011 Nominee: Mariachi el Bronx

MARIACHI EL BRONX
48 Roses

From: Mariachi el Bronx II
Released: August 2

When you hear that one of the world's fiercest hardcore groups has a side gig as a mariachi band, you can't help but think "novelty act". And in 2009, when The Bronx released their first album as Mariachi el Bronx, a lot of folks scoffed at the idea, myself included. However, upon hearing the album, that novelty didn't wear off. In fact, there wasn't really any novelty there at all because the band is sincere in their love for mariachi. So, having pleasantly surprised people who were expecting an awkward, piss-taking venture into the beloved Latino music, Mariachi el Bronx skipped out on making another hardcore record and instead looked to establish themselves with Mariachi el Bronx II. In short, the novelty still hasn't worn off; this record is as enjoyable as the first, and the songwriting is incredibly sharp. It's genuine mariachi, played with skill and heart. And, in an environment where the surprise factor is taken away, it still manages to pleasantly surprise with its chops, its replay value, and its earnestness. It's won them fans who wouldn't dream of cranking up History's Stranglers; they even got to perform on The Tonight Show. And hey, you never know; maybe next year they'll be back to screaming their heads off, in which case I'll be excited. Not only because it's been close to four years since a new Bronx record, but also because there's a goldmine of good songs to be found in this band, and if they dig around in there for Bronx material, the results could be scary awesome.

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