...Jonathan Richman left the stage at The Brighton just after 9:30. I guess I was still riding a bit of a high from that show. It was Sunday night. The DVR had plenty of time to record enough of The Walking Dead that I was sure I could make it through the show and the Talking Dead after-show without having to watch any Hyundai commercials. But, as I sat stopped at the light on the corner of Brighton and Ocean Ave., I found myself signaling for a right turn and heading towards Asbury.
All of the parking spots right outside Asbury Lanes were taken as were the no-fee spots along the side street. As I'd expected, the venue was packed. There were lots of familiar faces in attendance. The members of The Battery Electric / Hot Blood were there, still on cloud nine after what sounds like it was a fantastically successful tour to / from SXSW. Our own Scotch LaRock was holding things down, and his regular text dispatches gave me the confidence to be sure I hadn't yet missed anything.
Mariachi El Bronx took the stage a little after 10 pm. Each member of the band was dressed traditionally, and I noticed that the violinist for the night was former River City Extension fiddler Rebecca Schlappich, a substitute who -- apparently -- learned all of the band's songs and the accordion over the course of a few days.
Mariachi El Bronx are the alter ego of LA hardcore punk band The Bronx. The band employ traditional instruments including guitarrón and a full horn section. They are no novelty act. They take their approach to the style very seriously, and they put on an excellent show.
Lead singer Matt Caughthran repeatedly praised New Jersey and Asbury Lanes, mentioning that touring can sap one's energy, "But I woke up this morning, and I saw the ocean!" The set reflected the fact that the band were energized by the audience and the surroundings, and Asbury Lanes exploded into a giant party -- dancing, singing, beers hoisted overhead.
Over the course of the one and a half hour set, Mariachi El Bronx drew from both of their releases under the name. Sung in English, the subject matter of the songs isn't dissimilar to what you'd find in hardcore punk. Song titles like "Cell Mates," "Slave Labor," "Revolution Girls," and "Holy" give a pretty good idea of the areas covered by the band's catalog.
After spending an hour or so with Jonathan Richman in Long Branch, the experience of seeing Mariachi El Bronx in Asbury just seemed like a natural progression for the evening. The sense of community that I felt at The Brigthon carried right over into the more raucous atmosphere at Asbury Lanes. My senses had been tuned by Mr. Richman to better receive and participate in all of the happy vibes that Mariachi El Bronx were sending over the crowd, and it was wonderful.
I drove home smiling all the way; and, even today, as we shiver and await winter's last gasp, I still can't help feeling like spring is already here.
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