The Bronx

It’s rare to discover a group of musicians with alter egos disparate enough that they can open for themselves. (Spinal Tap’s the Folksmen are a memorable example.) Such is the case with California hardcore band the Bronx and its horn-laden counterpart, Mariachi el Bronx. Though the project emerged as an alternative to acoustic re-imaginings, Mariachi el Bronx’s first recorded tune was a cover of Prince’s “I Would Die 4 U”— not exactly expected territory for a punk act. Despite the abyss separating the Bronx’s pummeling sonic assault from Mariachi el Bronx’s authentic Mexican ballads, the songs affirm that the acts are related. After all, an average mariachi act isn’t going to bust out tunes like “Slave Labor” or “Cell Mates” — even though mariachi legends Los Tigres del Norte helped out on the band’s debut. Witness the Bronx’s bipolar switch-up when both acts hit Kansas City with fuzzy, scruffy New York punk band Japanther.