Maturity is often an underrated thing when it comes to a band’s development, especially when that band plays punk rock. For all intents and purposes punk rock is a young man’s game, a game of smashing stuff and drinking too much and not apologizing for being a selfish adolescent.
Over a decade into a career that has produced four full length albums under the same title (The Bronx), Los Angeles’ The Bronx have always prided themselves on going against the grain, most notably during their extended foray into mariachi music. This phase appeared to start as a joke in 2009, but has morphed into two full length albums and several tours under the alter ego Mariachi El Bronx.
The 2013 version of The Bronx is clearly a more focused entity and this record is their strongest overall output to date. Gone are the spastic, uncontrolled barrage of punk blasts that dominated the early albums and in their place is a more mature sound. The hooks and melodies of IV are crafted with the same style and precision of so cal legends The Descendants, Rancid or The Vandals.
Ironically (or maybe by design) the album’s standout track is titled ‘Wasted Youth’, a two-and-a-half minute punk ode to the famous George Bernard Shaw quote, “Youth is wasted on the young”. “Sometimes the best laid plans/Still end with blood on your hands”, lead singer Matt Caughtran croons backed by a harmonious chorus from his bandmates.
‘Along for the Ride’ perfectly combines the punk aesthetic of the band’s early sound with the songwriting craft of the current incarnation. It starts out with a blistering guitar intro but dives deliciously into a sugary chorus with Caughtran resisting the urge to unleash his trademark, blistering howl. Instead he carries the lyrics “We’re all flawed, by design/We used to be alive now we’re just along for the ride” with restraint and even (gasp!) a healthy dose of melody.
After years of raging against the machine The Bronx may have finally found their groove. Youth is wasted on the young indeed.
White Drugs
7/10
Reviewer: Nick Mackay