Hundred Reasons
For what many may view as a meteoric and swift rise for Hundred Reasons into the limelight of those artists deemed ‘alternative acts tipped for special things in 2002’, this quintet have certainly put the work in already to stake their place in such a prestigious league.
Forming originally back in the latter half of the 90s, the Surrey ensemble began in the form of frontman Colin, guitarist Paul, (now) bassist Andy, and, erm, drummer Andy, all united in the metal-assault of the oddly-titled Floor. Invading a club in Guildford one evening, they were impressive enough, despite the band’s own mixed feelings, to trigger off the promoter into managing them. Luckily enough, when the band began to fall to pieces, Larry – also in another band at the time, named Jetpak – came along to the group, offering his unique competent guitar-credentials and already-legendary sideburns. So, officially, by the early embers of 1999, the Reasons for living had been firmly established.
And, just 12 or so months later, amidst a clamour of labels trying to sign up the band following insanely positive reviews in the major press, Hundred Reasons signed to Columbia. However, an unusual condition in the contract – as will be explained even more fully in a soon-to-emerge interview this site conducted with the band – was that HR could grow and nurture under virtually their own unique terms. This essentially provided them with the chance to form a free singles-club for the fans, and gig relentlessly up and down the country in order to establish their name as a powerful live-act, as well as obtain a base of loyal supporters – all this before going for the hype that the media has to offer. Their strategic wishes seem to be paying off.
Indeed, their original debut, ‘EP1’, is now as scarce as they come, selling out not long after its initial release, with the following ‘EP2’ prompting considerable airplay for the lead-track – the fiery and velocity-packed, At The Drive-In-fuelled ‘Remmus’. But, with their final EP release – shockingly, ‘EP3’ – it was with main-tune, the melodic guitar-pop of ‘I’ll Find You’, that the guys achieved their first ever top-40 hit. And, with the first single-proper, the anthemic ‘If I Could’, the group went top-20. Clearly, the world was ready – and still is – for what this dynamic, energy-dosed set of distinctive characters have to offer.
With the first album, ‘Ideas Above Our Station’, looming on the horizon – and already viewed by critics as a must-hear of the year – things are just getting better and better for this act. And you don’t need to be a genius to figure the reasons why this is the case.
OFFICIAL SITE: Sexy, metallic looking affair - about to be revamped with loadsa new info, but currently has streams to see vids, etc.