Mariachi El Bronx - Mariachi El Bronx II

Mariachi El Bronx - Mariachi El Bronx II
Genre: Mariachi/World Music
Rating: 7/10

When Los Angeles hardcore punk idols the Bronx announced the formation of their alter ego Mariachi El Bronx back in 2007 most people were confused. The Bronx have been consistently praised  for their own brand of spikey intelligent punk with each of their three eponymous albums garnering critical claim across the board in the alternative music press. So what in god's name would inspire a move from punk rock to mexican folk music? Mariachi El Bronx II is the bands second LP under their Mariachi moniker and pretty much picks up where the bands first eponymous album left off. The whole album is lavishly orchestrated with the traditional instruments of the genre. Trumpets, violins and a huge range of different spanish guitars as well as accordians ensure that the record is not merely a novelty act for the Bronx but serious business.

The music on offer here is very similar to Mariachi El Bronx's debut and sticks to the strict rules of the mariachi style the only notable difference is the level to which they execute it. Whilst the debut was hindered with the occasional track sounding almost caricature like the band have avoided this elegantly with their new effort. Many of the themes from the first album repeat themselves with romance, crime and punishment and redemption being central to the records poignancy. Matt Caughtrain also proves as adept with singing soulfully and melodically as he is at his ferocious peaks on Bronx records. Highlights include the sombre "Fallen" that see's Matt work with a chorus and a rather bleaker and calmer backing and the beautifully orchestrated "Everything Dies" that sees harp and a vast range of spanish guitars that switch tempos into a flamenco-esque stomp. Other highlights include opener "48 Roses" with its ostentatious over the top violin sweeps. Whilst the record is very adept in quality and diverse in tone the only draw back is that it isn't as interesting as other types of music. The strict rules and classical nature of the music limits experimentation and variation which means if your not in the mood for it you will probably leave it gathering dust. Still that aside the dusty mexican sounds are perfect for a hot summers day and whilst Mariachi may not be everyones cup of tea the Bronx should be praised for not only their skill at performing such a contrasting genre so well but also their bravery for defying peoples expectations of them.

Overall Mariachi El Bronx II is a very accomplished album by a band who clearly have no limitations. Whilst the mexican vibe may be dismissed as a silly gimmick by many the bands skill in the field makes the album a very interesting and rewarding listen that surpasses its predecessor.

Download: "48 Roses" "Everything Dies"

Big Business - Quadruple Single

Big Business - Quadruple Single
Genre: Metal/Alternative
Rating: 9/10

Big Business started out back in 2004 as a two piece band formed by drummer Coady Willis from the cult seattle punk band Murder City Devils and bassist and lead vocalist Jared Warren from the underground hardcore outfit Karp. Together the pair wasted no time in winning the hearts and minds of the metal community with their low end heavy assault on the senses seperating them from the mainstream metal scene of the mid noughties. The real exposure came after a few support slots with godfathers of sludge and alternative metal the Melvins who were so impressed they amalgamated the two bands together for their crowning achievement 2006's A Senile Animal, which to this day stands as one of the bands most reverred works. Following their second album Big Business took a brand new direction taking on guitarist Toshi Kasai and set about recording their third album Mind The Drift. Whilst previous outings for the band were relentlessly heavy with Jared's crushing bass and Coady's blisteringly fast drumming Mind The Drift was overall a much more sedate record which saw the band embrace progressive rock elements with distorted melodic guitar parts.

Flashfoward to present day and the boys are back with another new recruit, guitarist Scott Martin of 400 blows, turning themselves into a four piece. With Mind The Drift marking a departure from the bands usual fast paced frantic grooves some fans feared the worst when the announcement came about a new guitarist Quadruple waits no longer than ten seconds before obliterating the concerns that the band have started to go soft. Opener "Always Never Know When To Quit" is a chaotic exuberant reminder why Big Business stand out from the mainstream metal scene. The lightning speed of the drums are given extra depth by Jared's deep bass tone whilst his trademark echoey roar stretches over primal riffs and insane high pitched shredding from Toshi. Other highlights include the eerily serene Ice-cold War that sees the band explore their proggy side with Jareds pulsing bass contrasting against swirling guitar distortion whilst Coady's cymbal crashing provides the backbone and a driving rythm to the whole ensemble. Throughout each of the four tracks theres something unmistakeably unique whether it's Jareds fuzzy groove Coady's intricate pulverising drum work or Toshi and Scott's duelling guitars start to finish quadruple delivers. The only limiting factor to this release is the distribution chain. At the moment the Quadruple single is available solely on 12" vinyl (with an accompanying download code) however finding copies on this side of the pond for me proved exceptionally difficult. However if you can find a way to import it whilst ensuring you will get a download as well then it is well worth the effort of doing so.

Overall Quadruple single clearly demonstrates huge potential and proves Big Business still retain their crown as one of the most interesting Metal bands around. The only limiting factor aside from locating a copy is the fact that it doesn't last long enough, a grumble that will no doubt be satisfied upon the release of their next full length LP. Highly recommended for metal heads and rockers alike.

Download: "Ice-Cold War" "Always Never Know When To Quit"