Search - Haymarket Riot :: Bloodshot Eyes

Fugazi who?

Scott Heisel | Cleveland, OH | 05/27/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I listen to a lot of bands that get the old "they sound like Fugazi" comparison slapped on them. This is usually a compliment to the band, as Fugazi is without a doubt one of the most respected and revered bands in punk rock. Heck, I've used the phrase "imagine if Fugazi was from [insert band's hometown here]" numerous times to help describe up-and-coming bands to friends. The ironic part of all of this is, I don't even like Fugazi. I don't own a single one of their CDs nor have I ever possessed one MP3 of theirs for more than a few minutes. I have heard the band's entire catalog from start to finish, and nothing really impressed me. This makes me feel kind of dirty; I feel like I should amost have to like the band, considering everyone they've influenced [including the majority of my favorite bands]. What does this have to do with Haymarket Riot, you ask?If I was to sum Haymarket Riot's "Bloodshot Eyes" up in one recommendatory phrase, it would be "I highly recommend this to fans of Fugazi or similiar DC-sounding post rock." Why do I like this album, then, even though I don't enjoy Ian Mackaye and company? I'm not really sure. It could be the great guitar and bass interplay that's present in tracks like "Castor Oil." Possibly it's the creepy vocals in "Placid" chanting over and over "these are the things that make us safe," musically and lyrically summoning up Engine Down to my mind. It could very well be the triumverate of tracks at the end of the album, "Immaculate, "Bought Your Weight," and "Wax!" All three showcase the band's incredibly tight rhythm section as well as enough in your face punk rock to make you take notice. "Wax!" becomes only the second song about surfing [that is not by the Beach Boys] I've ever caught myself singing along to, next to Weezer's "Surf Wax America." The band really puts 110% into this song in particular, and it's great as an album closer because it makes you want to play the whole disc again.This CD isn't life-changing, but it's not anywhere near average either. Like I said before, fans of DC math/post rock will fall in love with this band's creative take on song structures within the punk rock time signature. My only complaint would be a lack of melody overall. There's just a little too much chaos at times for my tastes. This band isn't amazing -- yet. Give them a few more albums to establish themselves fully and you just might have another Fugazi on your hands -- one that I like this time."

PHENOMINAL

Scott Heisel | 10/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"New To the THICK RECORDS roster but certainly not new to the Chicago post-punk scene, HAYMARKET RIOT features former members of GAUGE, TRALUMA, and THE TRAITORS. The new CD Bloodshot Eyes is nothing short of BRILLIANT. HR have previously released two EP's on DIVOT Records (Wax & the self titled Haymarket Riot), and been worked with Bob Weston of Shellac on songs for this record.HAYMARKET RIOT master in intense dynamics, complex arrangements and pristine detail. A sense of angular song structure and sterling technique, mixed with aggro tendencies exemplify their driving sound."The band's quiet-loud-quiet, angular hooks are at once reminiscent of Fugazi. Whispering then yelling vocals and self-effacing lyrics, while working within the Smart Went Crazy form. Not to mention showing itself to bring some of the best hard-edged indie rock our city has to offer."
Jonathan Mahalak - New City Chicago"

Grade A-

Scott Heisel | 02/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Grade: A-
This is the type of stuff people should be thinking of when they throw around the term "post-hardcore". This sh*t is sharp music and it has an aggressive edge. I like pop music as much as the next person, but sometimes it's good to get rough without jumpin' in the pit, and this is the band to do it to. There's some really cool moments where the songs jump back and forth between being lead by the bass and drums, then back to the guitars, going quiet, then blowing up in your face. A few times i caught myself thinking "wait, did they just do that?" and it turns out they certainly did. Haymarket Riot is the type of band i wish was local so i could see them whenever i wanted, and so i could say "i remember them when...". as for now, i'm gonna have to look into some back catalog searching, because i've got some catching up to do. Oh yeah, i can't forget to mention the shredder layout.
Listen To This While: Listening to it. really. (BGW)"