The Bronx IV Album Review
review by Denise Borders
The Bronx
IV
It’s only January but this was one of my most anticipated records of 2013. Los Angeles based band, The Bronx, never seem to disappoint. They put on a killer live show and churn out amazing record after amazing record. They’ve made us wait five years for this one so I’m sure they were feeling the pressure. February 5th marks the date the album drops via White Drugs/ATO Records and before I even get into the review I will say…. BUY THIS.
Available 2.05.2013
Track list:
1. The Unholy Hand
2. Along For The Ride
3. Style Over Everything
4. Youth Wasted
5. Too Many Devils
6. Pilot Light
7. Torches
8. Under The Rabbit
9. Ribcage
10. Valley Heat
11. Life Less Ordinary
12. Last Revelation
The album starts with The Unholy Hand, which is your typical Bronx song. It has a retro-rock feel with the modern snarl of Matt’s vocals. This band has always had strong lyrics and this album is no exception. This track isn’t breaking down new walls or anything, but it gave me comfort that this record was going to be solid.
Along For The Ride is a little bit of a slower track which is always a nice change up on a record. It comes in a little quick for the second track, but The Bronx is a band that has a very distinct sound and you hear it whether the song is an upbeat rock anthem or slower jam like this one. I mean, it’s not a ballad or anything but it just doesn’t hit the hard riffs like some of the other ones. Nonetheless, it’s still solid and keeps my spirits up for the rest of the songs!
Style Over Everything surprises me a little at the start. It doesn’t sound like a Bronx song but I’m super into it. All of their tracks are hard to categorize into a genre, and this song is a great example of that. To me, this sounds good enough to be mainstream as fuck but unfortunately they are still a band that is successful with the cool kids with good music tastes but has yet to really hit major numbers with the mainstream success of a similar sounding but not as good band such as Jet.
Youth Wasted sounds like a fun summer song you would scream to with the windows down and that 75 degree perfect California breeze overtaking the inside of your car. I think this is one of my favorites on the album because the chorus is just so fucking rad. Matt’s voice is really distinct and since I’ve seen them live a few times, I know for a fact they would kill the shit out of this song live. I can just tell. Moving along.
Too Many Devils is another classic jam from these dudes. This one almost has a psycodelic twist which is normally something I would fucking hate but they make it sound fucking great. I don’t think that was a haiku but I definitely think I could make it one if I really tried. I love haikus n shit. Anyway, it’s not my favorite track, if I had to pick bottom ones, but I can’t claim to dislike it, CUZ I DO NOT.
Next up is Pilot Lights. Sounds like a fun song. I don’t think it will evoke any crowd surfing but I could definitely shake my leg and mini-head-bob to this shit. Torches almost sounds like the beginning of a Lit song, which is kinda fun, but then of course the vocals break and you’re like OH HI MATT. I LOVE YOU STILL. The chorus of this one is super catchy and I’m sure you’ll be singing along by the second go at it. TRY ME.
Under the Rabbit is not actually about being under a rabbit, much to your dismay I’m sure….. OR MAYBE IT IS? I don’t know what goes through their heads when they write! You’re not my real mom!!! I really like the chorus of this song, including “Sometimes the best laid plans still end with blood on your hands.” This band is just….. swell. I think they could put out some of the most well-written records of our generation. Srsly.
I’m going to skip to Life Less Ordinary because this review is already way too long and I know I’ve already lost like 85% of the people that clicked this link so… congrats to those of you that are still here and able to read for more than 40 seconds! This song is a bit strange. The entire thing sounds like the intro waiting to break. It’s interesting though, it makes me really intrigued as to what he is singing about for some reason. It’s the longest track on the record at right over four minutes, yet it’s the slowest paced for sure.
The final track is Last Revelation, which is bitchin. All of these dudes are seriously talented musicians, and you can hear it in their music. They aren’t trying to do anything outlandish or blow your head off your stupid shoulders, but they’re doing something right (and by something, I mean everything). They are a classic band that I hope keeps putting out solid records and hopefully wont’ make us wait another five years. I know they’re busy doing Mariachi El Bronx, but I think they’ll always return to their Bronx roots.
The Bronx Official
About the Author
Denise Borders 39, Los Angeles. Denise founded PWV in 2008 and remains the primary manager and photographer/videographer. She is not secretly obsessed with Joey Cape.
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