File this bad boy under Rollo Tomasi, Traluma, and Fugazi. The first two are easily explained and the last one will be obvious in a minute. Understanding that
Haymarket Riot is made up of guys who used to be in Traluma, and also keeping in mind that after Traluma's breakup, some of the guys formed Rollo Tomasi, the comparisons are easy to see. The Fugazi comparison deserves some explanation, however. For starters, think earlier Fugazi -- 13 Songs or Repeater-era. The bass is thick and in-your-face, but it never overwhelms the guitars, which are powerful in their rhythmic hypnosis. Dual vocals are another Fugazi similarity, and both the vocalists for
Haymarket Riot have unique, enjoyable voices. Not in any poppy sense, but in such a way as to stick out to the listener. Incredibly tight and precisioned,
Haymarket Riot is surely incredible live, due to the power and intricacies displayed on Bloodshot Eyes. ~ Kurt Morris