V is The Magic Number for The Bronx
It would be difficult to find a more interesting hardcore punk band than The Bronx. For fifteen years, interestingly enough,this Los Angeles band has released thrashing punk, as well as performed mariachi punk albums under the name Mariachi El Bronx. For now, the band is focusing once again on the original Bronx work. Their fifth album, appropriately titled V is the first release from The Bronx in four years.
For V, The Bronx take a lo-fi approach to their punk sound. With screeching vocals from lead singer Matt Caughthran and distorted instruments, The Bronx show their Fidlar-esque chops with songs like the opener “Night Drop At The Glue Factory,” which follows the lo-fi approach mentioned before. “Stranger Danger” is almost a classic rock revival style song from a band like Jet that was popular in the mid-2000s. The guitar riff is extremely memorable and the chorus has a hook like no other.
Although The Bronx maintain a lo-fi style, their genres jump all over the place on V. “Fill The Tanks” begins with a shredding riff that can almost be compared to a metal band like Slayer. This track also has harmonies and background vocals that somehow fit a metal/hardcore style song. Overall, this is one of the more interesting tracks here for its diversity throughout and impressive instrumental work.
“Channel Islands” has another classic riff that almost has Led Zeppelin vibes with a dueling guitar playing a higher key of the original riff. The bass contrasts with the riff in an extremely complementary way.
“Past Away” is also a song that follows the classic rock style of riffing: catchiness coming, first with matching vocals that can be screamed over the riff. Although this classic rock style is different from the Bronx of the past, there are glimpses to their old sound, but fans of the band will enjoy it like it and will not be disappointed with the new vibe.
In terms of guitar riffs, V is one of the catchiest releases of the year alongside other bands like White Reaper. The band has done a great job of preserving their old key components while re-imagining their tracks with aspects of new genres that make the album mature in a sense.
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