LA punk outfit The Bronx’s alter ego have finally released their sophomore follow up to their 2009 debut self titled album. Unlike most sequels, the band have come with something that is perhaps better than the original.

Simply called Mariachi Bronx II, Mariachi El Bronx aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel with a side project devoted to a Mexican genre steeped in history and tradition while steadfastly remaining mariachi- there generally are no hip-hop/mariachi crossovers for example or even post hardcore punk mariachi-which is something The Bronx have embraced and respected heartily.

As a result love is the main topic and theme throughout the album, although there are some diversions with tracks such as Matador [which is about the death of a bull fighter], storytelling and managing to not make the album tedious is something vocalist and lyricist Matt Caughtran has succeeded at quite brilliantly. He has brought some fantastic songwriting to the table with fact paced opening track 48 Roses being a prime example. Telling the story of a man tangled in a multi woman web Caughtran comes up with the memorable line of “With four different lovers and 48 roses, I need a confessional that never closes // So save some forgiveness for me, I am blinded by love can’t think clearly.” Meanwhile in the rather pretty sounding Norteno Lights, Caughtran tells the story of looking for love with a new woman with the somewhat cheesy line of “Commo te llamas? I swear, I’ve seen you in my dreams.” [honestly that's one step away from "Did you hurt yourself when you came out of heaven?" but never mind.]

Meanwhile the more sombre and dramatic track Fallen is simply about falling in love with a girl [Aww!]

There is a reprieve from the the soppy lovelorn lyrics in upbeat tracks Revolution Girls and Mariachi El Bronx- both track highlight the supporting musicians along with drummer Jorma Vik and fellow bandmates Ken Horne and Joby J Ford brilliantly. The latter, really comes into his element within this album by proving himself to be a general all rounder muscian by playing anything from the accordion to the vihuela along with having input into the albums artwork. There is further reprieve from the topic of love in tracks like the aforementioned Matador and the final track Everything Dies, which questions the very nature of mortality.

It is generally nice to hear overall The Bronx bring a softer, more romantic sound as Mariachi El Bronx while completely embracing the spirit of mariachi spirit. In spite of The Bronx’s  background and roots, they have produced and written a well put-together album from beginning to end that is worth checking out even if you’re not usually a fan of punk, mariachi or The Bronx.

Mariachi Bronx II is simply good music.

9/10