The Bronx isn’t a band like many others. They didn’t toil through hundreds of local open mics before attracting attention; they were signed to Island Def Jam after only twelve performances. They’re a hardcore band from LA, but guitarist Joby J. Ford entered KU on a baseball scholarship. Their demo was entitled Sure Death, but they plan to release a mariachi record in March. Yes, the LA band named after the NYC borough will surprise you.

The Bronx formed in 2002 and was noticed at one of their first gigs by Jonathan Daniel, a music manager who got them signed to Island Def Jam. Since then, the band has left the label and toured extensively with acts like Bad Religion and Mastodon. While their music to date has been predominantly punk viscera, their latest endeavor is a mariachi album, tentatively titled El Bronx, and today guitarist Ford told CollegeOTR of the album, “It’s the finest record I’ve made.” That’s no small thing from such a capable musician.

Tonight, The Bronx will play a CMJ show at Fontana’s around midnight. This Manhattan presentation of a band called The Bronx should rock your socks off.