Song of the Day: Mariachi El Bronx, “Holy”
The Bronx are a loud, raucous rock band from Los Angeles. They play music that’s at once fierce, angry and anthemic, with the speed of Black Flag and the swagger of the Stooges. I caught them live last night at the Electric Factory along with Bad Religion and Polar Bear Club. They were incredible, and pretty much the exact embodiment of what a fun rock show should be.
But in addition to playing tunes with loud guitars, the Bronx are accomplished mariachi musicians. No, really: They’ve released two albums under the Mariachi El Bronx moniker, and both take characteristics of classic mariachi music—intricate acoustic guitars, light percussion, dramatic horn parts, etc.—and put a slightly Americanized, 21st century veneer on them. As much as I love the Bronx’s furious energy, last night I secretly pined for at least a few Mariachi El Bronx songs. This is one of my favorites, “Holy.”
