Song of the Day: Mariachi El Bronx - Wildfires

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is “Wildfires” by Mariachi El Bronx from the 2014 album Mariachi El Bronx (III) on ATO Records.

Mariachi El Bronx - Wildfires (MP3)

When not performing in their original configuration as Los Angeles punks The Bronx, the members of that band perform mariachi music under the name Mariachi El Bronx. The Bronx (singer Matt Caughthran, guitarists Ken Horne and Joby J. Ford, bassist Brad Magers, and drummer Jorma Vik) began in 2002 as a hardcore-influenced punk band, quickly establishing a reputation for their live performances. After two albums of well-received punk material, the band decided to record their third and fourth albums at the same time. One album would continue in the same punk direction, and, hoping to change up their creative process, another would consist of mariachi music. Three mariachi albums later, Mariachi El Bronx continues to coexist with The Bronx, enabling the band to play on non-punk bills and tour non-stop while switching between the two projects. "Wildfires", the first single from the band's third eponymous mariachi album, shows a band further sharpening their steel even without traditional punk means of upping the energy. Caughthran's bold vocals lead a sweeping horn section and waves of guitars, spinning a narrative of rebirth and renewal. "Wildfires" is one of the most band's most elegant moments to date, which, for a band that knows its way around power chords and a mosh pit, is quite a feat.

Mariachi El Bronx were recently in town, so it's unlikely they'll be back in town soon, but they do have some Australian dates lined up for next spring. When they decide to hit the road in North America again, that news will be over at their Facebook and website. For now, watch the band play today's featured song, live in the KEXP studio, just a few weeks ago.