The Bronx isn't your atypical alt-metal group inspired by nasty '70s punk. They are in a sense, but there's more depth and desire than most involved in the emocore/post-grunge punk rock revival. Formed in the heat of Los Angeles in 2002, Joby J. Ford, James Tweedy, Matt Caughthran, and Jorma Vik were offered countless deals after only two gigs. A D.I.Y. approach suited them better, however. Ford, who started playing guitar as a high school senior, wasn't exactly poised for a life in rock roll. He put himself through school with a baseball scholarship and earned a graphic design degree. Regardless, music was in his veins and the Bronx was his baby. Ex-Guns n' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke helped the Bronx compose an intense rock sound for their first demo. Without a record deal, the Bronx set up MP3 cuts on their website (/www.thebronxxx.com) in late 2002, and buzz set off like wildfire almost immediately. The band's red-hot debut appeared in August 2003. Their second self-titled effort marked their major-label debut for Island in 2006. Dates with Priestess, the Riverboat Gamblers, and Wires on Fire for the WHODOYOUVOODOO Tour also coincided with its release. MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide
