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When I reviewed Haymarket Riot's 2001 LP Bloodshot Eyes, I focused mainly on how the band's sound was very similar to that of Fugazi, and that if you enjoyed the pioneering DC group, you'd probably be all about Kevin J. Frank and company. Since Bloodshot Eyes, the band has been hit by cars, lost a drummer, cycled through a few guitarists, and who knows what else. You think that all this might up the anger level a few notches on Mog, but surprisingly, the opposite happened - Haymarket Riot has seemed to mellow out a bit.

This is even more shocking, considering the group's new members are guitarist Chris Daly of Sweep The Leg Johnny, and drummer Shane Hochstetler of Managra. The spazz factor from these two previous bands alone should have sent Haymarket's guitar arpeggios through the roof, but somehow, the rage stays under control for a good portion of this album's half hour of music.

Recorded by Steve Albini, the production is down and dirty, which is even more confusing as there's just a whole lot more melody on here than ever before. It's as if the group is fine-tuning their now-recognizable brand of post-hardcore while at the same time trying to sound as cold and distant as possible. "Vera" is the perfect example - guitars squeal and squelch over some of Frank's most in tune singing ever put to tape. The dichotomy of melody and dissonance here is just mind-boggling.

Haymarket Riot seems to have gotten it's second wind, and also seems to have experienced a sort of musical rebirth. Everything you liked about the old Haymarket Riot is still here, but I'm all for evolution, and this band is well on their way out of the "sounds like Fugazi" cellar.

MP3
My Donuts, God Damn!



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    Posted by oates on 2004-05-21 18:44:34
    My Score:

    This album is absolutley amazing. There is a bit of a turn from the "Bloodshot Eyes" album, but that is not a bad thing. Both albums are amazing in different ways. If you haven't seen them live, which I have a few times, you are missing out on some of the most chaotic rockers out there. You will know the words by the end of the show! I agree, I was there from Philly, that the record release show was incredible. This CD is a must buy!

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at 2:52 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    this album is pretty hot. i was also at the cd release show........ and check out riddle of steel. they're fucking amazing.

    www.riddleofsteel.org

    "saturn eats his children" is a great song.

    Posted by Romeo on 2004-04-12 21:55:39
    My Score:

    ff6 is a damn good game

    Posted by CallingLondon on 2004-04-12 20:57:40
    My Score:

    woops

    Posted by CallingLondon on 2004-04-12 20:57:28
    My Score:

    blah

    Posted by ElVaquero on 2004-04-12 19:57:45
    My Score:

    I though FF6 too...

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, April 12, 2004 at 9:13 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "I'm a Mog. Half man, half dog. MOG!"

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, April 12, 2004 at 2:01 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I agree with this review. They just seem unafraid to let loose with a few rock grooves, as opposed to trying to constantly keep you on your toes. Great cd.

    Posted by GreenVandal on 2004-04-11 19:46:37
    My Score:

    MOG! SHOW US THE WAY WE ARE SUPPOSED TO DANCE!

    FF6 rules. (or 3 for those of you who are not as in the know as me)

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, April 11, 2004 at 3:42 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    i saw their cd release show with RIDDLE OF STEEL. it was pretty good.

    end plug.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, April 10, 2004 at 10:51 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Anyone know if there's any significance to the album title? Because it would be utter nerd coolness if it was named after the Final Fantasy III character.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, April 10, 2004 at 12:31 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    i'm with the department of redundancy department, this needs to stop and end right now.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, April 9, 2004 at 9:20 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    seems like Naked Raygun still is the best band there

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, April 9, 2004 at 6:01 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    " "nice redundancy saying the same thing twice with different words."

    Nice redundancy."

    Ahahahahahahahaha nice.

    -c22

    Posted by ilikebandssuchasopivy on 2004-04-09 16:27:36
    My Score:

    "nice redundancy saying the same thing twice with different words."

    Nice redundancy.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, April 9, 2004 at 3:35 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I went to the record release show for this and these guys were fucking amazing.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, April 9, 2004 at 3:14 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Chicago is the new Seattle. Old news.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, April 9, 2004 at 2:46 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "title name."

    nice redundancy saying the same thing twice with different words.

    Posted by sloppyblake on 2004-04-09 14:42:34
    My Score:

    i like the title name of the mp3.

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