The Bronx

The Bronx

The Bronx are a Los Angeles punk band that forms in 2002 and remains active. Their line-up includes Matt Caughthran on vocals, Joby J. Ford and Ken Horne on guitar, Jorma Vik on drums, and Brad Magers on bass. Other members associated with the group include James Tweedy, David Hidalgo Jr., and Pete Parada.

The band begins with a stated aim of bringing direct, intense punk rock into the 21st century. Their sound draws on 1980s Californian punk such as Black Flag, Fear and Suicidal Tendencies, along with influences from Bad Brains and Fugazi, while also using harder rock guitar riffs and forceful drumming. Their genre range includes punk rock, hardcore punk, hard rock, metalcore, post-hardcore and mariachi.

Releases and labels

The Bronx release their first self-titled album in 2003 on their own White Drugs label. For the second self-titled album, they sign to Island Records and move toward a harder rock sound while keeping their punk edge. The group later return to punk rock and continue issuing self-titled records on White Drugs. Their limited-edition EPs include Bats! and La Muerte Viva!. They also release a live DVD, Live At The Annandale, recorded in Sydney, Australia.

Mariachi El Bronx

In 2009, the band also records under the alias Mariachi El Bronx, releasing El Bronx, an album in which the full group plays mariachi music.

Live profile and development

Shortly after forming, The Bronx sign to Island Records, with a belief that they have played only a small number of live shows at that point. Their early demo is produced with help from Gilby Clarke, formerly of Guns N' Roses. Through heavy touring and intense live performances, they build a following in the United States, the UK and Europe, and Australia.