The Bronx and Voodoo Glow Skulls

Formed in 2002, the band met in Los Angeles, US, featuring Joby J, Ford (guitars), Jorma Vik (drums), Matt Caughthran (vocals) and James Tweedy (bass guitar/backing vocals). Tweedy let the band in 2007, replaced by Brad Magers and also joined by new guitarist, Ken Horne. Right off the bat, The Bronx came out swinging with their hardcore punk sound full of bravado and swagger. After only 12 live performances, they were offered a record deal with Island/Def Jam, ye The Bronx continued to release music on their own label, White Drugs.

After several demos, The Bronx began work on their debut album in 2003, utilising the talent of Guns ’n’ Roses guitarist, Gilby Clarke, as producer. The result was their self-titled release on the label, Ferret Records. Three years later, their second effort, also self-titled, arrived on Island Records. Through relentless touring alongside the likes of Priestess, the Riverboat Gamblers and Wires on Fire, The Bronx made a strong name for themselves through their energetic and incendiary live performances. Alongside The Bronx, Joby J. Ford and Matt Caughthran also featured in the side project, The Drips, who have enjoyed continuing success alongside their original project.

For their third album, “The Bronx III,” the band left Island Records, releasing instead on Original Signal Recordings. Following a successful acoustic set, the members of The Bronx decided to create a mariachi-style, alter ego band, Mariachi el Bronx, who released their first recording in 2009. The band have subsequently released three albums under this moniker, all received with critical acclaim. In 2013, they returned as The Bronx, offering the triumphant “IV,`’ which had a distinct hard rock sound that moved away from their earlier, punk driven sound.

The band came together originally as a hardcore outfit during the late '80s, featuring the Casillas brothers, Frank (vocals), Eddie (guitar) and Jorge (bass) alongside Jerry O'Neill (drums). Playing together for a number of years in a humble garage, the band decided to expand their lineup in the hope that this may find them more success, choosing to add Joey Hernandez (saxophone), Joe McNally (trumpet) and Brodie Johnson (trombone), moving towards a ska-punk sound after the addition of their horn section.

Becoming local favorites, Voodoo Glow Skulls released two early singles before unleashing their energetic debut, "Who Is? This Is?" in 1993, on Dr. Strange Records. After touring the US extensively, Voodoo Glow Skulls impressed larger label, Epitaph Records, signing with them in 1995. Their second record, "Firme," was released that same year, with the availability of a Spanish-version of the album helping to appeal to a wider audience.

Three further albums were released on Epitaph before Voodoo Glow Skulls decided to jump ship and moved to Victory Records, releasing 2002's "Steady As She Goes." In 2004, Voodoo Glow Skulls delivered the fresh, ska-core styled "Adiccíon, Tradicíon, Revolución," displaying a return to their earlier energy. Southern California Street Music" appeared three years later, one of their first albums to feature original songs entirely. In 2012, the ska-punk veterans moved to Smelvis Records for the release of their self-produced ninth album, "Break the Spell."