After 3 self-titled full lengths, countless tours all over the world and more 7 inches and EPs than one can count, they return with their latest offering – the self titled Mariachi El Bronx on August 17th 2009, which was produced by John Avila in Los Angeles According to Matt from the band the band...

“Mariachi el Bronx was probably conceived in August of 2006 in Los Angeles' infamous "Downtown Rehearsals." It all started as a way to flip the electric goes acoustic performance garbage, because that’s never good. We were invited to play live on television but decided that a cheesy acoustic version of our song was not what we wanted to do. “

“The Original El Bronx line up had Zander Schloss (Wierdos, Circle Jerks) on guitarron and Keith Douglas (Mad Caddies) playing trumpet. The project triggered something inside all of us that was unexpected. It’s almost impossible to explain but it felt like discovering a second soul within you. We instantly started writing new songs. The body of this record was written all over the world. As the Bronx played, El Bronx wrote. “

“Inspired by the jungles and beaches of New Zealand, Sleepwalking was one of the first songs written, along with My Brother The Gun. The music for Quinceniera was written under the German summer sun. And so on, and so on. “

“Once we were home the territorial pissing of punk once again worked their way into our lives as we completed writing for what was to become Bronx III and Mariachi el Bronx. We had more than enough songs for a record, now it was time to cement the sound. “

“Vincent Hidalgo, son of David Hidalgo (Los Lobos, Latin Playboys – and performed accordion on the album) joined El Bronx in late 2007. He really helped bring everything together. We poured our heart and soul into every song, musically and lyrically. Jon Avila (Oingo Boingo) was picked out of a prison line up to produce the record. He really helped us put the finishing touches on the record. “

“What had started as an act of rebellion had become something bigger than the sum of its parts. Alfredo Ortiz (Beastie Boys / Money Mark) plays percussion and an unnamed string quartet did us a "solid" but wouldn’t give us their names due to contractual obligations to the television show "American Idol". “

“Mariachi el Bronx touches on many facets of mariachi music, the most well know being Norteno as well as jorocho, wasteka, bolero and corridos. It may seem strange for a band that’s blasts the audience into outer space every night to take this direction, but mariachi is every bit as much of a soundtrack to southern California as punk. So they actually work seamlessly. “

“We very much enjoyed making this album, and we hope that you receive the same enjoyment out of listening.”

Having made their UK debut in May, playing London’s ULU and All Tomorrow’s Parties, Mariachi El Bronx will perform in a variety of different ways: sometimes incorporating mariachi into their punk set, sometimes playing two nights in a venue performing each band respectively and often having one band open up for the other.

The Bronx – Matt Caughthran (vocals), Joby J. Ford (guitar), Brad Magers (bass), Jorma Vik (drums) & Ken Horne (guitar).