Brent Burton observed earlier in the week that critics seldom mourn the absence of metal from mainstream top 10 lists. I’d go a step further and say that the only bands that don’t get shafted are the ones that don’t need reviewing–bands like GnR and Metallica, for whom critics dutifully went out of their way to praise even though neither band’s album was as good as the releases below (IMHO).  With four exceptions–TV on the Radio, Be Your Own Pet, Thrice, and Longwave–my list is all about the heavy-ass gut-thumpers (many of them from my home state of Florida).

[Ed. note: Rise Records distributed three of my choices, and Vagrant distributed two--I can assure BPB readers that I was in no way compensated for my shameless whoring.]

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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.)

Photo courtesy of Watch Out! Theres Ghosts’ Myspace page.