One of the most fascinating bands on the scene today, The Bronx is about to release their first proper album in five years. After their 2008 The Bronx (III), the band switched gears, releasing two self-titled albums as Mariachi El Bronx, a surprisingly authentic Mariachi band blending the band’s hard rock songwriting with the traditional Mexican style. For The Bronx (IV), they’ve picked up their amps from the pawnshop and crafted their strongest album to date. Rather than a typical return-to-form, the LA rockers have taken the lessons they’ve learned from their “El” days and applied it to their relentless rock sound. Notably, vocalist Matt Caughthran sounds stronger than ever, finding his confidence as a singer through their mariachi years. Their songs and arrangements are all more tightly crafted, with more interesting rhythms and a stronger focus on melody.

But The Bronx has certainly not grown soft. The Unholy Hand kicks off the album with a powerful guitar riff before the rest of the band comes screaming in. The song asks “Do you wanna die or just come real close?” and the onslaught of sound throughout the album brings you as close as you can get. Only the penultimate Life Less Ordinary slows the pace down, though the album might be stronger if it hadn’t, keeping up the energy throughout the disc. The first official single, Ribcage, goes where not many hard rock songs go: 3/4 time. The manic track alternates between 3/4 and 4/4 while recalling the energy and power of early LA punk stars like The Sex Pistols and The Skulls.

The Bronx (IV) is out February 5th on ATO Records.