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It’s not every day that a hardcore band from Costa Rica comes across our mind, but today Wise Up* just changed that.
The quintet was born out of the remains (or stand-by status, keep your eyes peeled) of Costa Rican hardcore staples Billy the Kid. The remaining members decided to start the project along with the help of Trampa’s guitarist, as well as El Oponente’s drummer.
Wise Up*'s new double-single, "Ríos de Desprecio / Costa Brava," are the follow-ups to their early 2024 debut EP, Últimos Días, Vol. 1, which came out through the Sello Furia label.
“These songs are (for us) another part of that EP, helping to shape and define the style of what we’re currently playing – which is pretty much mixing everything we like into one song," Wise Up* vocalist Eddie Gamboa tells me. “We’re aiming for a '90s sound, maybe even early '00s hardcore."
As for future plans, the Ticos are aiming to book an early 2025 tour through Mexico and California, looking to showcase their new sound as well as Costa Rican hardcore.
As for now, be sure to check out their new video for "Ríos de Desprecio" which was directed by Fabián Cerdas:
If you’re in the LA/SoCal area, there’s a chance you’ve already seen Wise Up* play as they were openers for Minority Unit’s show last August at the well-known 1720 Warehouse.
As a Mexican, I can say that it’s always nice to see a full-on Latino band representing in the US. Pura vida, mae!
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Wise Up* on social media: Instagram
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