I haven’t been surprised by a new New York Hardcore band for a while but On The Rise does. Energetic and melodic. Fast and grooving. It’s all there. This debut, with Agnostic Front’s Roger Miret as executive producer, puts them right up there with Gorilla Biscuits, Youth Of Today and Sick Of It All. Although On The Rise stick to the typical New York style they’re not copycats. Guitarists Brian Will and Hugo Fitzgerald stand out from the hardcore crowd. They are capable of a lot more than just strumming power chords in unison.

And the occasional guitar solos are tasteful and short. Drummer Steve Gallo and his brother Mike on bass form a tight rhythm section. Singer Lenny DiSclafani’s voice is urgent and aggressive but he’s positive as well. The lyrics vary from friendship and losing lost ones to social criticism and from hardcore anthems to the doubts after 9/11. The production is up to scratch as well. Anyone who’s into hardcore: be aware. This could be the next NYHC hit.