In a seemingly effortless blend of relentless rhythms, stirring vocals, layered guitars, and atmospheric keyboards, SF rockers The Hundred Days paint euphoric soundscapes on their eponymous new release. With a wall of feedback and airborne melodies, the band, at their best, take cues from the moody daze of shoegaze, the soaring qualities of some of Radiohead's best, and kick the tempo up a few notches. Singer Jon Smith's deep vocals complete the hazy, frenetic scene while still possessing clarity and a modern edge that bodes well for radio play.
A pleasant surprise can be found in the tracks that present the fluorescent instrumentals as the centerpiece. Both the airplane liftoff of the intro track and the gorgeous pre-finale of "Featurette" are striking to say the least. Slower moments have the tendency to drag when accompanied by Smith's crooning, though when his vocal strains edge against the sweeping guitars, as in "Hey", the band creates catchy gloomy gems that deserve to be dug up as singles.
This local indie band has made a promising effort, as they take on classic influences that clearly compliment their own sound. Rarely is new rock this sonically arresting.
- Gabrielle Goodbar
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