Hundred Reasons – Glorious Sunset
Impressed or what? Read on .....
Brit-rockers release their fifth album, a record 15 years in the making.
Things take time, take time. And for Hundred Reasons that meant only returning once they truly meant it. Some bands reform because of the hunger of fame, some chase the money whilst others do it out of sheer boredom. Thankfully these Brit-rock veterans have made the most organic of returns, there had to be a purpose and what a purpose Glorious Sunset has turned out to be.
This album, their first since 2007’s ‘Quick The Word, Sharp The Action’ is their greatest work yet. Opening with the title track, a song written about the passing of lead singer Colin Doran’s mother, it is a record full of passion and strength. The song references the pain she was going though but also the relief that she was finally at peace.
Hundred Reasons formed in 1999 and split in 2008, releasing four records and touring with the likes of Jimmy Eat World and Muse, for a good period in the early 00′s they were kings of the UK Emo scene and kept company with the likes of My Vitriol, Hell Is For Heroes and At The Drive In. Oli Sykes of Bring Me The Horizon name checked them as a huge influence having seen them “at least 46 times” in Sheffield. Their return is a truly welcome one.
Songs like ‘Replicate’ absolutely shine, it is classic Hundred Reasons but with a fresh twist, there’s growth and maturity but it still keeps that Emo Rock ethos. Lighters (or more likely mobile phone lights these days) in the air for this one. Beautiful stuff. ‘New Glasses’ is another song that nods to the bands roots but feels incredibly up to date, their fierce post-hardcore sound is still in full force but sounds completely fresh. The chorus is begging to be screamed by thousands across venues and festivals.
‘It Suits You’ is driven by life's disappointments and self doubt yet it remains hopeful, powered by Larry Hibbitt’s brilliant, punchy guitar playing the song absolutely soars. ‘Done’ is equally emotive, the production (Glorious Sunset was produced by Hibbitt) is bang on throughout the record. Each instrument is given time to shine and there’s a real depth that keeps each song in check. The vocals are also given space to shine ‘Right There With You’ is the perfect example of this and for me is one of the albums highlights.
Colin Doran’s lyrics really impress. He may have previously been known for his vocal range but on this album it is writing that should be heralded. It is a grown-up record, yes in parts it might feel like a nostalgia trip but there’s a new found strength and maturity in Doran’s writing.
‘Wave Form’ shows once again that the band know how to close an album, it is the closing of a chapter that no one really expected. This album isn’t something that the band had to do, it was something they needed to do and for that the pay off is spectacular.
10/10
