Mariachi El Bronx / Mariachi El Bronx 2

Mariachi El Bronx
Mariachi El Bronx (II)
(Wichita)
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The Bronx only started playing mariachi music because a TV show asked them to perform acoustically, and they decided that nothing sucked more than playing unplugged punk. The side-step has clearly not been a fad for the band; their debut mariachi album was a hugely accomplished success, and they've since declared the style as fuelling their 'second soul'.

They 'aint kidding. The gorgeously orchestrated Mexican themes - a tribute rather than a pastiche of course - are correct and present on another amazing record.

Quality and passion are rife, but sometimes the band really go to town to create a masterpiece: 'Map Of The World' features snapping castanets, an urgent beat and some incredibly intricate violin and trumpet interplay, while 'Poverty's King' is a generously spirited, happy-sad lament which would fit perfectly over an end credit sequence. Viva El Bronx!