The Hyrax
Downers Grove, Illinois, United States | SELF
Music
Press
"Stemming from a blend of influences, this party-rock band is just that, a party."
"They have a poppy melodic sound with a heavy edge..."
"If you have not seen The Hyrax, I suggest you check them out" - Bar Life Magazine
Discography
Critter EP 1
Critter EP 2
Fist Full of Critters
Photos
Bio
Chicago party rock band, The Hyrax, formed in 2004 with a home recorded 7-song EP. Lead singer Mik Dempsey recorded the rough tracks in his parents’ basement. With the help of longtime friend and drummer, Pete Sipla, the duo remixed and wrote music until adding their bassist, Mike Musselman in 2008.
In the summer of 2008, the powerhouse trio finished writing what would become some of their most well-known songs and started booking shows in the Chicagoland area. In early August, the group played together for the first time onstage at Break-Time Billiards.
From then, the band went on to play shows throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs even winning a competitive show in 2010.
In April of 2010, The Hyrax really picked up speed after being featured in the “Rising Stars” section of Barlife Magazine. It was also in early 2010 that the band lost original drummer Pete Sipla. They picked up Craig Borchers from the band Billions to play as they recorded their first full-length LP.
After Borchers’ departure, Tommy Murray joined The Hyrax as their new permanent drummer. The band rounded out its lineup with Damske brothers Max and Alex on guitars, and headed back into the studio to finish up their debut album.
The now five-piece party rock group debuted their first LP, Fist Full of Critters, in June 2011 at Backthird Audio in Aurora. The new brash and eclectic sound was exactly what the group needed to break into the Chicago music scene. Check out where you can buy their new album and see them live at www.thehyrax.com and on Twitter at @HyraxMusic.
Links
