The Yellow Stage at Fun Fun Fun Fest is the “kitchen sink” of stages, showcasing everything from comedy and wrestling to undefinable bands. You can put Mariachi El Bronx in that latter category. The group is the mariachi alter-ego for the Bronx, an L.A.-based hardcore punk band, and I first caught them by chance on the Yellow Stage at FFF 2010. I was left completely impressed and charmed: the band paid homage to the Mexican culture it grew up with while still adding its own spin on the centuries-old folk form.
The Bronx and Mariachi El Bronx play the Sidewinder tonight and Thursday night, respectively. “New Beat”–from last year’s Mariachi El Bronx [III]–hits that mariachi sweet spot: bright and sunny melodies matched with dark lyrics. Download the song below.
–Art Levy
Subscribe via iTunes or Stitcher to get the KUTX Song Of The Day delivered to you daily.
