The Bronx

The gutter's a beautiful place to be sometimes. It separates the men from the boys. It distinguishes real from fake. It smells, and it's dank. It's also a source of inspiration for some of the best art. Los Angeles punk quartet, The Bronx, bring punk rock back to the gutter. It's a spot that they feel at home, and they don't care what anyone else thinks about it. Their third self-titled album is one of the most fierce, fiery and utterly alive punk rock releases of this decade. It lives and breathes with a vitality that few acts in the genre can muster. It's simply because The Bronx refuse to ever compromise. They're more reliable than your favorite band, and they also have a better sense of humor than them too. Check out the flamingos on the album cover…

"Knifeman" kicks off the album with a neck-snapping distorted riff that builds to a propulsive beat. The riff is poisonously infectious, and the song snakes into a massive chorus that shakes and grooves with a pronounced swagger. Meanwhile, singer Matt Caughthran screams about the death of originality and calls for revolution. What better way to begin an album? Guitarist Joby Ford remains the band's sonic backbone. His tone on "Inveigh" and "Enemy Mind" is impenetrable. He fires off distinct, unstoppable riffs that drive the music to the depths of Hell and back. Both he and co-guitarist Ken Horne can rip when they need to—see "Spanish Handshake" for proof—but they knows when to pull it back and let the groove do the talking as well. "Young Bloods" and "Pleasure Seekers" exhibit an epic arena rock energy that evinces The Bronx's knack for a catchy melody. That said, these tracks are hard to forget. Jorma Vik's drumming on "Digital Leash" bolts down another big groove, while Brad Magers churns out a rolling bass line. The eleven tracks that comprise this record are like aural cyanide. Get chugging for true rock 'n' roll ecstasy.

In some ways, it's funny that the Bronx hail from the City of Angeles. Los Angeles is the kind of city where it's easy to lose yourself. People will try to take advantage of you. They'll lie to you. They'll prop you up. They'll steal your soul. However, even after leaving a major label and dealing with the general downfall of the industry, The Bronx are still here. Take a roll in the gutter with them; you'll never be the same.

It's time to have fun getting dirty again.

—Rick Florino
11.11.08