Forget The Darkness
Just over two years ago Hundred Reasons played their first ever festival performance in the UK. It was at Ozzfest 2002 that, for the first time, this group of British nobodies really hit the UK rock scene's radar. Anybody that was at the venue that night will remember an atmosphere that many bands fail to create in their whole career – let alone in their first ever festival set at the worst organised outdoor event in British history.
A plethora of singles later and a new album have led Hundred Reasons down a long path. Since their mainstream debut they have undertaken a series of tours, played three Carling Weekends and released their second album. In such a short time they’ve been to Birmingham’s Academy eight times. Not bad for two years. It’s easy to see why – Birmingham is a city bread on rock ‘n’ roll. It gave birth to Black Sabbath, it’s sounds influenced a generation and there’s no denying the fact that Brummies are, arguably, the spice of England. It’s, therefore, no surprise that Hundred Reasons will always be welcomed here.
Playing in the small-sized Academy 2 – the venue is packed. Signs stating “ALL TICKETS HAVE SOLD OUT” are plastered across the outside of the venue and three support bands more than warm up the crowd. After David House, Twofold (11/13) and Reuben (10/13) – it is time for the band everybody has been waiting for. It may be quarter to ten at night before they take the stage, but from the onset it’s easy to remember quite why Hundred Reasons have got where they are now.
The last album may have seemed less prolific than ‘Ideas Above Our Station’ and their 2004 Carling Weekend performance may have, whilst stunning, fallen on flat ears – but it is tonight where they shine. Hundred Reasons are a band sculpted from pure live talent and ability. It is as if the stage was their home and as if performing is the only thing that their lives have been building up to.
Blitzing through their two chart topping albums and a selection of everything from their ever-increasing career, Hundred Reasons are one thing – and one thing only. One of the best band’s that Britain has, or ever will, produce. Their live performances are nothing short of stunning and the smiles on each band member’s face as a rapturous crowd almost jump through the floor of BA2 in every song show you just how much they really love performing.
‘Falter’ is Hundred Reasons’ anthem. It may not have been their best single, but it is a live anthem for the band as every fan knows. If you’re considering checking HR out – it is worth it just for the passion, commitment and feeling that they put in to this one song.
Hundred Reasons? They may not be the most exciting band in the world when it comes to CD, they may not be renowned for throwing televisions out of hotel windows – but there is one thing to remember about them. They are the incarnation of the things that are right with British rock. Their performances are live, they’re passionate and they’re some of the best that you will get to see. Forget cat suits, number 1 hits and clichéd Queen copies. If you are British you’re committing a crime by missing Hundred Reasons.