Exclusive:

MARIACHI EL BRONX

The real essence of punk isn't about living vicariously in the past through some 70's drug addict's attempts to break the system. It's about excitement and unpredictability. It's about not accepting other people's expectations of you. It's about choosing how you define yourself, no matter how unusual or crazy these choices may appear on paper.

For established LA-based Hardcore-Punk band The Bronx, it's about temporarily eschewing their hard-rocking roots and enveloping themselves in another great form of North American music, Mariachi.
Where there were once blistering guitars and thundering drums, now you'll find gentle harmonies and haunting brass sounds. Mariachi El Bronx has been crafted in the image of one of Western Mexico's greatest exports, and to a few peoples surprise this new incarnation has been creating quite a stir world-over. Now that's what we call punk.
We eventually caught up with Mariachi El Bronx for an interview, because we're definitely down with the trumpets.

Why the temporary change of styles from Punk to Mariachi?
It's not really temporary. We are pretty much two bands at this point. It all started as a search for a creative solution to acoustic performances. Being from LA, mariachi just made sense. It opened a door to an unknown world. The most inspired I've been in my entire life.

Do you think the musical forms might share a common musical thread?
Both styles are quite dramatic and concern themselves lyrically with themes of love and loss?
Definitely. The themes and ideals between punk and mariachi are very similar. Obviously, sonically they are worlds apart. But I've always believed punk was an idea before it was a sound. We try to approach everything we do from an honest and true state of mind. Our goal is to always stand on our own two feet... to be originals.

You've been getting decent recognition from the established Mariachi scene, but how has the original The Bronx fanbase taken to this new direction?
I would like to think Bronx fans appreciate our need to exist outside of the box. The Bronx is in the middle of writing our fourth record right now. It's gonna be the best one yet. A radical statement of sonic aggression. Get ready.

Do you think this will be a permanent arrangement, or have you another project in the works?
It's always a "work in progress" with us. Right now what's next is Bronx 4. After that, who knows?

Are you concerned that the Mariachi project might become more successful than The Bronx, or is it more important to just be able to play, no matter what the style of music is?
Doesn't bother me one bit. In a perfect world both bands would get the respect they deserve. But as long as they both exist I'll be ok. It's the art that's important, not the popularity.

Can you describe the origins and essence of the Mariachi sound?
Mariachi music is the people's music. It started in jalisco Mexico. Traditionally, the main instruments are guitar or vihuela, trumpets, violins, harp, and Guitarrón, which is the bass. The sound can differ depending on which region of Mexico the band is from. It has definitely evolved over the years, but the core values are always maintained. Beautiful music from the heart that celebrates life's triumphs and tragedies.

How much does one of those cool outfits cost?
Our Charro suits are one of a kind. The guy who hand-made them disappeared. His shop is literally gone. They are priceless.

Are you big fans of Robert Rodriguez?
Sure. I'm not really a big movie guy but he makes some amazing films.

Have any of you guys been mistaken for a similarly dressed hit-man?
Haha! No not yet.

So are you working on any more the The Bronx material soon?
Yes sir! Wrapping up Bronx 4 in February once were back from Australia. So stoked.

Anything else you'd like to talk about?
Just wanna say thanks for the support and the interview. Thanks to our fans. Come check out the live chaos, music was meant to be seen not heard.

By Stuart Rolt

The album Mariachi El Bronx II is out right now. The band is also playing at Concorde2 on 29th Nov.
www.mariachielbronx.com

Image: by Ashley Maile