Well, bugger me. I will never assume anything about any release ever again! I had so many preconceptions going into this review about what this would sound like and all have been blown away. The latest album from South Carolina’s Hundredth (Hopeless), Rare, is a real curveball for anyone familiar with the band.

Long associated with the melodic Hardcore scene the band showcase a sound more akin to bands like Balance And Composure and Titlefight.  This could almost be described as a shoegaze punk hybrid, which really works across most of the songs on offer.

For me, personally, I really struggled with this album at the start in terms of reviewing it as I found that on the first listen nothing really grabbed me; there were none of the obvious hooks and outright anthems found on the band’s previous albums, and it all felt a bit pedestrian and bloated.

However, I then chose to listen it on headphones and wow it completely change my perspective songs like ‘Vertigo’, ‘Suffer’ and ‘Departure’ are so awash with melody and purpose you just can’t ignore it, and you simply get carried along for the ride, letting the stellar, almost oppressive, production engulf your entire being.

The vocals from Chadwick Johnson, perhaps the component of the band most affected by the change in style as the entire record is sung and there are no screams at all, are really haunting and drenched in reverb. What’s really apparent is the care and attention to the melodies that can be found within the songs. Nothing has been left to chance here and that speaks to the conviction and confidence Hundredth had going into this recording.

The guitar work will also surprise the band’s fans with Alex Blackwell competing for the MVP slot with Johnson’s vocal performance. Some of the lead riffs are so catchy I found myself humming them on only the second listen. The rhythm section also plays a massive part on the album continuing to drive the songs forward.

Now while there are many good things to take from this record it does still feel a bit one note and plodding towards the end and I think would have benefitted maybe from a soaring chorus here and the album being trimmed to 10 instead of 12 songs. Still it takes massive bollocks for an established band like Hundredth too not only change the sound, but also do it in a way which could see them be alienated by their own fans.

Those with more sense will see past this change as the band wanting to stretch themselves and prove they have more to offer. So, more power to Hundredth for this album which, whilst not brilliant front to back, does have true moments of brilliance which could catapult the band to even greater heights.

7.5/10

KIERAN MITCHELL