First there was Breathe Carolina, which Rise Records heralded as the creators of “an entire new genre,” and now there’s Watch Out! Theres Ghosts [sic], an “experimental/live electronics” duo from California. If this is Rise’s idea of signing new, “ground-breaking” talent, I’ve got news for the Oregon-based hardcore label: The new stuff blows. It’s terrible hardcore and mediocre electronica.
Rise was on a roll for a while, with recent additions like Burden of a Day and Oceana (both straight hardcore acts), but the momentum seems to have dissipated. (Hey Rise, looking for a new act worth growing/a chance to redeem yourself for signing up shitty electronica bands? Check out Soldier City Legends—another Florida gem.) Breathe Carolina and WO!TG are especially painful listening when compared to Rise powerhouses Dance Gavin Dance and Emarosa.
Perhaps Rise has a boner for the dance club crowd? Or maybe it’s just jumping on the two-man, screamo-electronica bandwagon? ($5 or a Hot Topic giftie of equal value says Rise offers to sign EATMEWHILEIMHOT! before the end of the year.)