Since its beginnings in 2002, Los Angeles band the Bronx has incorporated a sunny element within its version of hardcore. Maybe it’s a California thing, but it’s hard to describe their explosive, melodic, pump-your-fist music, other than to call it pizza-party punk. Their latest effort The Bronx (IV) is lacking any form of anger, which feels weird for a band of their ilk. Still, songs like “Along for the Ride” and “Ribcage” are loud, brash, and annoyingly infectious. The slower-paced standout “Torches” uses a quiet-then-loud pattern best done by Pixies, but you can still imagine the mall punks marching in step to it. The lyrical themes remain similar to the Bronx’s past work, but the band’s sound has evolved into something cheerier—a little more Blink-182, a little more aimed at the kids. Teenagers across the country should find happiness in these simple, sing-along anthems.

Upcoming shows:

Fox Theater in Oakland, CA — March 9, 2013 

Roseland Theater in Portland, OR — March 11, 2013

The Paramount in Seattle, WA — March 12, 2013

Revolution Concert House & Event Center in Garden City, ID — March 14, 2013

Saltair in Salt Lake City, UT —  March 15, 2013

Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan — March 16, 2013

The Bronx | The Bronx (IV), $9.99, thebronxxx.com

By Mish Way

This review appears in the Feb/Mar 2013 issue of BUST Magazine with Jason Schwartzman. Subscribe now.