- If by now you’ve accepted the idea of a punk band playing modern Mexican folk, then iii, the ingeniously titled third album under The Bronx’s mariachi moniker, will not surprise you, though it should delight. Of course, your enjoyment will vary based on your affinity for MEB’s now well established string and horn style of pop folk, but the mood is as contagious as ever. All of the tracks bounce along at an infectiously rhythmic clip, and even the saddest songs are dressed with engagingly flamboyant cadences.

Despite the upbeat nature of the instrumentation, iii is a softer album overall than its predecessors, and hangs much of its appeal on the the emotional quotient that powers most ballads. This time out, however, the boy’s usual sound has been augmented with a selection of mild electronica, though many of these flourishes go unnoticed on the bulk of the tracks.

When these moments do float to the surface they add a certain amount of intrigue, but the effect is sadly underutilized and feels almost hesitantly executed. Given Mariachi El Bronx’s background and obvious leanings, it’s understandable that these synthetic layers would feel unfamiliar, but it would have been interesting to see the band delve a little further.

The few tracks with real points of difference, like the distance and echo of Eternal or the distorted intro to Sticks and Stones, hint at something that could have been a fascinating detour for the group. It’s nice to see them stretch out a little, but it’s not a huge reach and it leaves you wanting just a little more. Though it does feel a bit unfair to ask a band that has already branched out so severely to extend themselves again.

III is a joyously constructed album full of diverting moments and more than a little fun. It’s a shame that the band didn’t extend themselves a little more, but if the only thing wrong is that it’s simply more Mariachi El Bronx, then it’s not a bad problem to have.

- Nic Addenbrooke.