I'd Never Falter Now That We're Even (Quick The Word Sharp The Action - Hundred Reasons)

Member Name: Andy.mack

Product:	Quick The Word Sharp The Action - Hundred Reasons
Date:	02/12/07 (72 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Another top class album from Aldershot's finest

Disadvantages: They still dont seem to get the acclaim they deserve

There are a few British bands that seem to just slip under the radar of the musical press and continue to make decent music without the deserved attention. That is most certainly the case for Aldershot based Hundred Reasons, who seem to have been slipping under the radar and making good albums since back in 2001. Now with the release of this, the bands 4th album a few weeks ago they still seem to be keeping up with the same high quality standards they had previously set for themselves. With only one line up change since 2001 it's quite an impressive run for the band and something they continue to highlight within their music.

In fact that one line up change has come since the band released their 3rd album in 2006, with Guitarist and vocalist Pete Townsend leaving the band. His place has been taken by former The Lucky Nine guitarist Ben Doyle and it hasn't really affected the bands overall sound. In fact while the sound the band produce on studio recordings is very impressive it's actually in their live shows that they really excel and it'll be interesting to see how Doyle makes the step into the live arena with the band.
It would seem that the band have taken a rather unusual approach to the latest album however, swapping the traditional recording locations of the UK and America for Latvia. That said the results seem to have come back in a similar vein to the previous albums, mixing a good solid base of old school rock with the current modern trains of influence. There is a slight sprinkling of Emo in there along with a much harder rock edge, seemingly mixed in equal doses with the overriding rock element to create an album that's incredibly easy to listen to and enjoyable.

From the opening bars of the album it gives you a misconstrued feeling of a gentle, peaceful approach but within seconds that impression is shattered as the guitars and drums kick in. The fast pace and upbeat tempo from the beginning are what really make Hundred Reasons one of those bands I really enjoy listening to. The combination of drums, vocals and percussion work really well and create a decent sound that is incredibly easy to listen to. Obviously it is a style that will suit the fans of Rock and heavier indie music but I do feel the musical content offered by Hundred Reasons is suitable for all.
The vocals are still as strong as ever and Colin Doran's vocals still make Hundred Reasons sound unique and instantly recognisable. The guitars really work well with his vocals and his voice in particular works incredibly well with the up tempo sound the band have. In fact it almost sounds like a calming influence in amongst a quite fast paced intense sound and perhaps it is this that gives Hundred reasons a bit of an edge. The vocals unlike a lot of Rock music isn't just the lead singer shouting at the top of his voice. Instead it's a very calculated and well presented sound that works incredibly well.

I wasn't too sure about the album to start with. It seemed to appear from nowhere but within a couple of listens I was convinced that Hundred Reasons were still on top of their game. In particular lead single "No Way Back" and "Opera" really stood out for me on the first couple of listens. I was particularly impressed by "Opera" as it seemed to be the band trying something a little different that still really worked within their sound. It was a little more subdued and didn't rely on their signature fast pace but did really highlight their abilities as musicians.
Likewise I was equally impressed with opening single "No Way Back", which remained true to the bands origins and still sounded very much like the older material. While they have matured and moved on it still helps to remember where you came from and this single certainly did that. There aren't any tracks on the album that I would particularly describe as being weaker than anything else on the album. It flows through quite nicely and like the bands previous releases works really well as an up tempo, decent rock album.

Overall for fans of the band this album is a must buy as tracks like "Break The Glass" are reminiscent of both the older sound and the more mature approach. It's a decent album and unlike a number of bands they don't seem to be running out of ideas and appeal despite this being their fourth studio effort to date. It wouldn't surprise me if Hundred Reasons continued to plug away in the background of the British music scene. I can't seem them abandoning their musical ethic and I think for a band of their style this is most definitely a plus point.
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Summary: 4th Album from Aldershot based Hundred Reasons