Los Angeles-based rock band The Bronx are excited to announce the upcoming release of their first three studio albums on vinyl. Out today (Black Friday), November 24, ‘I’ and ‘II’, which have been previously released on vinyl and are currently out of print, along with III will be available for purchase HERE and limited to 500 copies each. The announcement comes on the heels of the release of the band’s latest full-length studio album, the Rob Schnapf (Beck, Elliott Smith, FIDLAR)-produced ‘V’, which was released by ATO Records on Friday, September 22 (on iTunes and Spotify).
Fifteen years ago, The Bronx appeared in a storm of attack-mode guitars, apocalyptic rhythms, screaming aggression and sneering disdain for the status quo. In 2017, as the band resurface with their fifth eponymous album (and first in four years), the Los Angeles-based quintet has lost none its pugnacity. The Bronx ‘V’, as it is destined to be known, is as hard-hitting, confrontational and relevant as ever, earning praise from the likes of Exclaim!, Kerrang!, Rocksound, DIY Magazine and many more. And while it may or may not sound more grown-up than their vein-bulging early releases, they will not apologize either way. Recorded the over five weeks, ‘V’ sees the band addressing themes ranging from the national consciousness to frontman Matt Caughthran’s own personal struggles and mid-thirties malaise delivered at his most full-throated and direct.
“One of the main hurdles was kicking myself out of the depression I’ve been battling for two years,” he explains. “I don’t want to over-dramatize it, but I felt pretty bleak for a while. I didn’t want to just write about relationships — I wanted to write about how difficult it often is to keep your head on straight. Sometimes it’s a daily battle. I’m a lucky guy but I’ve been down some dark holes the past couple of years, not knowing whether I was capable of being the person I thought I could be.”
But while confronting his own demons and the notion that “maybe I’m not cut out for making it to the second part of my life,” Caughthran says he also looked externally for inspiration. “The world is both sad and hilarious right now,” he adds. “It’s a funny time to be an actual living human being with a heart and a conscience. I am not a fan of people shutting their doors and closing everything off. But as an artist, it’s actually a great time to create.”
The Bronx has gained notice for the dual lives it has lived for the past eight years, maintaining an alter ego as Mariachi El Bronx that is as true to that form of music as their hardcore is to the punk ethos. Lacking none of the band’s typically pugilistic fervor, The Bronx V lands punches exactly where they’re aimed.
Additionally, the band has announced their third annual “White (Drugs) Christmas” run of holiday shows in both San Francisco, CA (Thursday, December 7 and Friday, December 8at Slim’s) and Long Beach, CA (Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10 at Alex’s Bar). Featuring sets from both The Bronx and Mariachi El Bronx on select nights, the holiday shows will include special guests toyGuitar, Uke-Hunt, Sharp Shock, The Bolos and more to-be-announced, along with toy drives in both cities. A full listing of shows and artists performing on each night can be found below along with information on tickets available on both The Bronx’s official website here and Mariachi El Bronx online here.
December live dates
07 – San Francisco, CA – Slim’s (feat. Mariachi El Bronx, toyGuitar, Uke-Hunt)
08 – San Francisco, CA – Slim’s (feat. The Bronx, Sharp Shock, special guests TBA)
09 – Long Beach, CA – Alex’s Bar (feat. The Bronx, Sharp Shock)
10 – Long Beach, CA – Alex’s Bar (feat. Mariachi El Bronx, The Bolos, Uke-Hunt)
