Barely contained brilliance
The Bronx's second album, which, like their first is also self titled, is an only slightly more laid back and subtle affair than 'The Bronx (1)'. Many of the tracks on this new album have a more classic rock sound than the full on punk of the last album. That's not to say it doesn't have its moments, because it has plenty, even those quieter, slower tracks like 'Safe Passage' often have an intense barely suppressed rage boiling under the surface and occasionally spilling out to make your flesh tingle and go goose bumpy all over. And of course, the punk contingent is well catered for; 'Small Stone' an insane 51 second call to arms sounding anthem of screamyness is just the tip of the iceberg.
Although the album relies more heavily on melody and danceable grooves, and has catchy tunes aplenty, Matt Caughthran's vocals are still as gruff and caustic as ever, but this time he sings more than screams. His sexy drawl rips through each track like an emotional scythe, screaming, crooning and at times almost crying his way through each song and leaving you in no doubt that he means every word, especially when those words are "You selfish c**t, you've got some explaining to do" from killer track 'Three Dead Sisters' with its amazing desert-rock groove. Sometimes he sounds so emotional it almost feels as if he is directing his wrath directly at you.
'The Bronx (2)' is such a different experience from the intense punk-rock assault of their first because its tunes are, rather than beating you into submission, more likely to grow on you slowly and stay with you, and luckily it leaves you just as breathless. You thought you knew The Bronx? Think again. There is so much more to them than meets the eye and they really bring it on here. This new album, although more refined and mature hasn't lost any of their intensity, it's still an amazing journey and a manic off kilter party; from the groove driven beats and guitars of 'Shi**y Future' to the intense and brilliant screamed lyrics of 'History's Stranglers' it has so many gems it's hard to know where to start. Full of brilliant tunes, really danceable, heavy, melodic and full of lyrics that bite and won't let go...it's a ride from start to finish and you can't help being swept along and loving it.