Haymarket Riot
Bloodshot Eyes
Thick Records
Release Date: October 2001
Haymarket Riot sound a lot like many of my favorite bands rolled into one making it a challenge to give Bloodshot Eyes a "proper review". So let's just steer clear from comparisons and concentrate on what they do. They write complex post-punk tunes with clever guitar parts weaving through independent bass grooves. Right in your face are the vocals often presented as a group chant. Each member has vocal credits with no single member claiming the lead role. Tying all this together is Billy Smith's solid syncopated drumming.
The songs, like "Placid" often surge from delicate melodies to heavy sections exhibiting cool dynamics before locking into solid grooves. Let's say it reflects the learning of DC hardcore, emo core, and indie rock boiled down into a solid sound.
The production by Dale Meiners is crisp and straight forward with great tones. I give it the coveted Outer Sound 4-star rating.
-- Ben Segal
ben@outersound.com
