Haywire’s propulsive live show sure to make new hardcore acolytes

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Hardcore music is all about community, whether it’s being created in the studio or experienced live. While you can enjoy a band’s recordings, the true impact of hardcore comes from sharing it with other fans at a show. This is especially true for bands like Boston’s Haywire (also known as Haywire 617).

It’s interesting that Haywire feels like a one-man show, largely the work of Austin Sparkman. But Sparkman is a veteran of the punk scene, having played in numerous bands over the years. When he creates new music – and it’s been a while since his last full album, 2024’s excellent Conditioned for Demolition – he always brings in talented friends to help.

Haywire brings the same energetic performance to their shows while on tour. They’re currently opening for the Dropkick Murphys, a punk band also from Boston. Haywire usually plays both the opening and closing sets for the Murphys, with the Aggrolites, a California reggae band, performing in between. However, the Aggrolites’ sound is less like traditional reggae – think more along the lines of the Clash’s energetic punk-reggae fusion, as heard in their song ‘(White Man) in Hammersmith Palais’.

Haywire is your next favorite hardcore band

The Aggrolites offer a bit of a change of pace from Haywire and the Dropkick Murphys, but still fit the vibe. However, if you’re a dedicated hardcore fan, Haywire is the band you’ll really want to see. Sparkman delivers a raw, energetic, and intense performance, bringing a powerful and honest energy to the stage.

He really connects with the audience, recognizing that people at energetic shows aren’t just there to listen to perfect music. We want to be entertained, and Haywire delivers, but we also want to be part of the experience.

Sparkman is also open about his personal struggles, and the crowd enthusiastically responded to his announcement of 10 months of sobriety. He connects with people because he’s relatable – he’s not above anyone else, but rather, he’s one of them.

The music remained powerful and energetic, exactly as it should be. The songs are concise, which is smart – stretching a track like “Poser Disposer” would have ruined its impact. However, the band clearly has the skill to create more complex work if they chose to. While “Love Song” is a classic punk anthem, Haywire’s acoustic version reveals a surprising and promising softer side.

Haywire’s biggest weakness is that they haven’t released enough high-energy, classic hardcore music. Their current output – one album, an EP, and a few singles – leaves fans wanting more. Luckily, they have a new two-song EP coming out in March, featuring a collaboration with the Dropkick Murphys. But even that will probably just increase the demand for more of their music!

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2026-02-23 20:30