Hundreds of AU was formed by the renowned veterans, who are strongly aligned towards the DIY scene– from You and I, the Assistant, and Hell Mary; aiming to fuse decades of sharp Hardcore undertones in the most volatile, vital way possible. Combining all-around chaotic riffs and intense melodies with recurring themes that revolve around journeys of personal exhaustion as well as indignation towards systemic injustice– including capitalism and urban decay.

Hundreds of AU – band photo credit Nathaniel Shannon

Their fifth LP entitled Life in Parallel, released via Iodine Recordings, represents the chronicle of adulthood narrated through a coming-of-age point of view using New Jersey as backdrop; an “overdeveloped” place that Hundreds of AU themselves consider as that of contradiction and untouched wilderness as well as tension that results in resistance and survival. The Hardcore/Punk scene, to them, isn’t just a matter of sounds, but also a personal, cathartic lifeline that they use as a medium of expression against capitalistic oppression and life’s ordeals. Besides being centered around the discourses of injustice and political unrest, on a more personal note, this album also features hints of parenthood and midlife crisis-related themes in its lyrical themes.

Moving on to the sounds department, this album appears as an amalgamation between Screamo-infused Hardcore with Post-Rock hints that also appear melodic and technical. Multidimensionally inclined towards the baseline of soaring melodies and incoherent chaos at once, it gives dynamic nuances to the listeners, forming a soul-deep connection as they affirm hope in the midst of chaos caused by modern-day survival; basically, the notion of collective care in the form of an LP. What’s also captivating about this release is that it also features guest appearances from members of Thursday, Folly Sonagi, and Stress Spells, which helped build atmospheres to the album even more.

I can sense some hints of Emoviolence undertones on this album– and that checks out, considering that this album speaks of rather intense and intricate themes, and it sonically presents cohesive transitions between elements that are both malevolent and melodic at the same time; envisaging that organized harmony and chaos can coexist with raw, unfiltered honesty. The emotionally deep narratives that appear simultaneously personal and political are also, to me, one of the major highlights of this album.

Buy the album here:
https://hundredsofau.bandcamp.com/album/life-in-parallel

8 / 10
RALKA SKJERSETH
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