Album review: MARIACHI EL BRONX – Mariachi El Bronx IV

March 26th, 2026 by david.wilson

ATO Records [Release date 13^th February 2026]

The Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson tells the tale of a man with two personality traits. Dr Jekyll, a mild mannered gent, and Mr Hyde, a murderous character who cannot control his evil urges.

If there was a musical version of this, then it would have to be Mariachi El Bronx and The Bronx. One band, two completely different musical style. Where The Bronx are a fire breathing, SoCal hardcore monster that like to investigate histories stranglers amongst other things, Mariachi El Bronx play the sunniest music known to man that never fails to put a smile on your face. The fact that the musicians involved can switch from one to the other just by adding tequila (possibly) is a work that Mr Stevenson would be proud of.

This is the first outing for Mariachi El Bronx in ten years, and this album is well worth the wait. Musically, there is no great departure from the previous three albums, but what they have produced here is another work of Mariachi genius.

From the sweet, soulful vocals of Matt Caughran to the excellent guitar work from Joby Ford this album shines bright in a world where there is far too much gloom, doom and despondency. That’s not to say the lyrical content is all sweetness and light, but they are delivered in such a way that even the darkest subject matter sounds like a party!

The album is full of upbeat numbers given the full Mariachi treatment with tracks like ‘Forgive and Forget’ and the accordion led ‘Bandaleros’ putting a smile on your face. Other highlights include the excellent ‘Songbird’ and ‘El Dorado’ which has an opening gambit that is catchier than norovirus on a cruise ship.

It’s not all upbeat bangers though with the likes of ‘Fools Gold’ and ‘The Takers’ dropping the pace and the mood to give the album some light and shade. However, you are never far away from another blast of sweetness with songs such as ‘RIP Romeo’ and ‘El Borracho’, the story of the local drunk that is the life and soul of every party, whether invited or not!

Mariachi El Bronx are a unique package, very talented musicians who can switch musical disciplines with ease, which is no mean feat. Their music may not be to all tastes (in either band configuration), but I would urge anyone to give them a listen.

In an uncertain world we all need to smile once in a while, and this album provides the perfect soundtrack to lift your mood on even the darkest of days.

*****

Review by Dave Wilson

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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Power Plays w/c 16 March 2026

THE DEVIL WEARS NADA Brat With A Baseball Bat (Eonian Records)
ARANDA You Don’t Wanna Know (indie)
MYRATH Breathing Near The Roar (earMUSIC)
DELBHOY KENNEDY Sky’s The Limit (Flip Flop Records)
ALL THEM WITCHES Starting Line (BMG)
HER FURY Use And Abuse (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 16 March 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)

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