Rise NYC- Mise en Scene

Blending the lovely vocals and bouncy bass anchor of Shelly Ebner with Die J! Mars' versatile and interestingly produced alt rock guitar work and underpinning programmed electronics, Rise NYC bring a stylish serving of electronic-infused alt rock to the table. The duo's debut CD, Mise en Scène, is, essentially, a 5 song EP padded with 4 remixes. It should be pointed out, however, that it's a particularly outstanding 5 song EP, and the remixes aren't half-bad, either.

The album leads with its best, the spectacular "Stupid Ride", an infectious slice o' hip and danceable melodic electro-rock fun. "No Harm" isn't far behind, blending programmed dance rhythms, sharp rhythm guitar stabs, and a lovely chorus hook. "Giveway" is a nice slice of bass-driven alterna-pop, while "Penny", another poppy number driven by a simple but ridiculously catchy bass foundation, is the disc's other standout. The semi-quirky energetic alt rock and male/female vocal approach of "Rock 'n' Roll Manifesto", on the other hand, vividly recalls The Pixies.

The 4 remixes here (with "Stupid Ride" escaping remix treatment this time around but apparently appearing in remixed form on a reissue of the disc this fall) are actually quite interesting for the most part and certainly put a different spin on the band's material. A superb dance remix of "Giveaway" by Superstar DJ Keoki, moody and funky at the same time with a killer indie vibe, is the highlight here. "No Harm" reappears in a seemingly slower and slightly mellower, more ethereal form built around strings and shuffling electronic rhythms. "Penny" gets the least exceptional remix treatment, finding itself completely warped into a fair but excessively long and repetitive electronic dance instrumental. "Rock 'n' Roll Manifesto (Thee Majesty Hip Dub Mix)", on the other hand, is the most surprisingly radical reincarnation, transforming the original's energetic rock into something of a quirky experimental dub with reggae undertones.

As a whole, Mise en Scène, is a particularly enjoyable foray into danceable, melodic, poppy alt rock. While "Stupid Ride", "No Harm", and "Penny" would be worth the price of admission alone, all 5 original tracks here are excellent, and the remixes are, in general, surprisingly solid and interesting, as well. Very well produced and performed and, perhaps more importantly, filled to the brim with irresistible hooks, emotion, and energy, Rise NYC's Mise en Scène is, simply put, spectacular. Fans of melodic alterna-pop should certainly keep their eyes peeled* for the album's reissue this fall.

*Grave Concerns and its writers assume no responsibility for any literal eye peeling that may occur as a result of this review.