Author: Crossfire

The Bronx return on the 11th, with their new album titled The Bronx (III) and it’s a welcome return for a band that echo the likes of 31G’s (arguably) best ever export, Swing Kids.

Taking a step back from the ever perfected, million-dollar studio produced album, The Bronx have made this record their own by recording it in their own LA studio and thus, seem to have created a punk rock masterpiece.

The Bronx rock hard. Very fucking hard. Kicking off with the huge tune Knifeman. As soon as guitarist Joby J. Ford starts playing and Matt Caughthran screams down the mic “I wanna be original, I wanna be surrounded by art,” you know you’re in for a treat, and this sets the tone for things to come.

Inveigh follows up and maintains the chaos in typical fireband fashion. They shred and pound with Matt yelling “..and I’ll be waiting for you deep in hell..” A minute and 40 seconds pass and we introduce a cheeky baseline, which gives a moment for us to catch our breath…just a moment though before Joby explodes and Matt loses control “Look at us now!”

Past Lives greets our ears next, but regrettably, a thought crossed my mind of “Have I heard this before?” It’s a very samey track kept afloat only by Matt’s vocal talents, it almost seems as if it doesn’t belong, maybe it was a mistake? We can only hope.

Business continues though Bronx style, with the tubs getting a good thumping courtesy of Jorma Vik on Enemy Mind. The song releases yet more anger on the world “Out of the way he’s got something to say…fire…there’s so much fire…staring…I cant stop staring…” a brilliant track. Serious spine-tingling stuff.

Six Days A Week and Young Bloods follow up and sound rather similar I have to say, but it’s not the worst thing in the World, not the best either with Young Bloods perhaps being the weakest of the two. If you’re a life-long fan then I’m guessing you’ll be shouting: “Fuck off” right now, but it isn’t what I, personally, have come to expect from them.

Things look up mind as Joby’s seemingly endless talents are portrayed on the opening of Minutes In Night. The opening riff is an awesome display of how an axe can really be played before setting the tone for the whole song. Arguably, the best track on the new album due to such a killer intro and the way that it actually makes me want to run outside and punch the next guy I see in the face.

The Bronx’s return then is a much-welcomed one.
In an age where pop music rules the airwaves, its still a calming thought that punk isn’t dead.

Marc Ramage

New Jersey’s The Gaslight Anthem have melted the hearts of people across the UK this year with a lot more heart melting to be done! Their punky, slightly Bruce Springsteen-esque anthems transcend a multitude of scenes resulting in something truly genuine and definitely worth a listen no matter what music you’re into.

New single ‘Old White Lincoln‘ is no different to any other song from sophomore album ‘The ’59 Sound’. Expertly paced with a cunning combination of gentle musical prowess and a rousing singalong chorus, this track is something you can listen to on a rowdy roadtrip with your friends or on a mundane Sunday at home with your parents. But perhaps not if your parents are anti-tattoos.

There are pretty much no limits to where The Gaslight Anthem’s heart-rending music would be appropriate so the chances are that there will be an occasion soon when you’ll find their soothing tones a comfort or an inspiration.

Winegums