Genres are getting harder and harder to define these days, at last check I believe Punk has morphed into so many sub-genres that I think it’s become “Pre-Post-Apocolyptic Hardcore Dance Thrash Riggy Big Drop” or something similarly ridiculous. You start wondering if anyone knows what they’re playing or buying anymore. You go to record stores these days (if you’re lucky enough to find one) hoping to simply find an old favorite or a new love only to become even more confused than when you entered. If I ran my own record store, I would sort everything in two easily read alphabetical categories; the “This Rocks” section and the “This Does Not.” You ask, why even have stuff that doesn’t rock? The answer: to sort out who I will and won’t let back into my store!
The fourth and newest record from L.A rockers The Bronx, aptly entitled IV, would most definitely be in the section that ROCKS! True to form for The Bronx, IV follows III in astoundingly passionate fashion. “Unholy Hand” kicks off IV in classic punk style; live your life cause you can – is what slaps you in the face from this rockin and 
rollin opener. The chorus is damn catchy and the verse reminds me of the first Bronx track I ever heard, “Notice Of Eviction” from their first record. It captures that same hungry, raging and pissed off attitude that really grabbed me as a young and pissed off teen. That attitude isn’t as young as it once was though, but neither am I and With “Youth Wasted” taking a look back on what was and what young people are still doing I can really connect to this reflective, grown up Bronx. All those needless attempts at getting attention the wrong way, the impression I get, is that this mainly concerns young bands and the way they manage things.
That theme is certainly carried on into “Valley Heat.” It’s not that these tracks are entirely a “fuck you”, but more of a “when you grow up and look back, you WILL shake your head” song. Matt’s voice is reminiscent of Bon Scott (AC/DC). He’s always had that element to his voice and I always thought The Bronx were more of a “Punk Rock AC/DC” and this track really makes those thoughts ring true. Who knows, with the legacy of debauchery and string of bastards Bon Scott left behind it is possible one of em found their way into The Bronx.
Look at “Dirty Leaves” from their second record and then “Torches” from this one, it’s almost a call and response. “Dirty Leaves” set up a melodic almost laid back sound that would’ve fed the fires of El Mariachi, and “Torches” now completes the circle. Melodic is not a dirty word. “I shoot to kill, I don’t fuck around” represent two things on this album. The tail end of the aggressive chorus of “Style Over Everything” are a statement about this record.
The Bronx have created an album here that is worthy of being titled music as art; albeit sexually charged, social deviant art, which I write in the most complimentary way. IV oozes with sexuality, from its sleazy riffage to its pounding rhythms. In my mind, IV is already a heavy contender for Record of the Year.
To be perfectly honest, I was actually not expecting what I got as I hit the “play” button to start the first song. With a long time between albums I was wondering if The Bronx would call it a day and focus on El Mariachi or if the new record would simply be El Mariachi with distortion. There is a little of that, some melody lines and chord structures find their way in there, but it isn’t a negative thing and it doesn’t detract from that trademark Bronx sound, which is as strong, vibrant and viable as ever. Being a long time fan I could not have been more pleasantly surprised by the “take no prisoners” solid offering from beginning to end that The Bronx has delivered with IV. You can buy The Bronx IV at independent records stores or online at iTunes or direct at The Bronx website store
I’ve caught The Bronx twice live, and I suggest you go out and see them, especially on this tour. With a strong album like IV pushing their sound it will make for one helluva live show. Check the whole tour itinerary HERE.
Rob Ryles – Journalist, RockRevolt™Magazine
