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Haywood - Model for a Monument This is anthology of songs from throughout the past eight years. From Philadelphia but now residing in New York, these kids play a poppy brand of guitar rock that is solid not stunning. The focus here is not really guitar pyrotechnics, but sensitive lyrics and shaky (I just might cry if you look at me again) vocals. The faint back-up vocal appearance of Joey Sweeney (ex-Barnabys and a great solo singer) is a nice addition too. Fans of Vitreous Humor, Commander Venus, and Silver Scooter take note. (Mag Wheel Records) Haywood - Men Called Him Mister More nasally-rock tunes from NYC's Haywood. This band has an interesting thing going and they have some real winners on here, especially the first 3 songs ("The Kids Take Aim" has been in my head for days). And there is no longer any doubt in my mind that this band can write some catchy songs. (Self-Starter Foundation)	Hot Water Music - A Flight and a Crash "To know. Know before I act, act before I grow. In control, with fear on hold. Cutting me loose from old rules." Hot Water Music took a giant risk in 2001 by choosing to release this album on Epitaph and by choosing to mix up their sound a bit. But the variety of tempos and melodies are only a backdrop to the cohesiveness of this album and the strength of their songs, which plough deeper thoughts and more intense feelings than past releases yet somehow come across just as anthemic and powerful. (Epitaph) Hot Water Music/Alkaline Trio- split CD review on AllMusic.com Hot Water Music - Caution Although they would likely shiver at the idea, this album serves a definitive answer to those that would call them "emo." This is rock band and they have made a ROCK record that with all the nuances and flourishes that not only make them leaps ahead of many of their peers, should place them among the greats. (Epitaph)
Hefner - Boxing Hefner A compilation of singles and live tracks from this London pop trio. In the liner notes, the band calls themselves a "folk band.' A favorite of John Peel, they sound like the Frank and Walters without the big guitars or a less quirky Jonathan Richman (they must be fans as they cover his "To Hide a Little Thought"). This is very entertaining. (Beggar's Banquet) Hero Pattern - Cut You Out One of the best up and coming bands. Energetic rock with plenty of punch at the right moments. And a couple of sicky-sweet slower tunes. Parts of this will appeal to fans of Superchunk, Thin Lizzy, Get Up Kids, Superdrag, Hot Rod Circuit, and Ultimate Fakebook. (Lonesome Recordings)	Hurl - We Are Quiet in This Room EP As much as I liked Hurl before, this, their last release for some time, just wasn't clicking with me. Then I listened with the lights out, through headphones, while laying on my bed. That made all the difference. While they still retain remnants of the sound of their first album, which reminded me of a quirkier Seam, these songs are a big darker and a bit more full. The rhythms and changes are fun too. (My Pal God) The Hymans - s/t The cover of this album may look like these guys were the roadies on the last AC/DC tour, but the music inside is pure Ramones-y punk rock magic. Energetic and fast as hell, these Swedish Ramones-fanatics put on one hell of a fun show too.
Hey Mercedes - Everynight Fire Works In 1999, after the demise of Braid, 3/4 of the band re-convened to begin playing music again. The addition of ex-Alligator Gun guitarist Mark Dawursk in 2000 solidified the lineup that would appear on this record (Dawursk is no longer playing in the band). Thus, Everynight Fire Works is the first full-length for Hey Mercedes after a fairly decent debut EP in 2000. This record stands miles above the EP. The songwriting is more measured. The album is bright and bouncy, and well paced, anchored by the amazing drumming of Damon Atkinson. The stop and start guitars that separated Braid from its peers are still present as is Bob Nanna's excited yelping. But this is a more polished effort than any past efforts and the result is a very clean sounding record with plenty of hooks, stops, starts, and clever lyrics for everyone. (Vagrant Records) Hissyfits - Letters from Frank Sweet pop music with just a touch of bite. This is a good sounding record with strong melodies and top-notch riffs, but the songs would really benefit from an increased use of dynamics. I dig her voice a lot, I just want to hear her get big once in a while. (topqualityrockandroll.com)
Hood - Cabled Linear Traction It's so nice to see that the releases from this Leeds, England band are now finding a home in the States. This is a re-issue of a 1994 British release (also released in 1995 in the US on vinyl by Slumberland). It's especially nice considering they probably have a lot more in common with more American bands than the current crop of British guitar-pop bands, with the exception of The Wedding Present. I actually think WP would find Hood a real treat as both bands share a love of dynamics, a somewhat melancholy worldview, and a similar vocal style and range. But where David Gedge and whomever he's playing with in WP like their songs a bit on the polished side, Hood prefers the rough edges. Recorded mostly on 4-track, this has an interesting feel as the songs jumps from one another, often with the effect of a jump-cut. Much less a complete, flowing album than a sample of their potential, this is a great introduction to one of my favorite new finds. (Slumberland Records)
Hot Rod Circuit - Sorry About Tomorrow On their third full-length, Connecticut's Hot Rod Circuit have created a great-sounding, fun record that will likely remind you of loves lost and summers past. It will also likely remind you of Knapsack (on "Now or Never" and "Got What You Got"), Archers of Loaf (on "Safely," "Knees," and "Consumed by Laziness"), and the Get Up Kids (on "Cool for One Night"). Which is to say that for fans of quality rock, they've created an extremely enjoyable record. (Vagrant Records)
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