Concorde 2, 13th November 2009
Braving the battling relentless rain, I had little knowledge of the Surrey fivesome Hundred Reasons, and I assumed the scene would be typical of the pop-punk, alternative genre. I predicted an array of boys and girls in various coloured drainpipes collectively admiring attractively styled musicians living the dream. However, the scene was very different and it somewhat reflected that tonight was Friday the 13th.
A clustered crowd of devotees lingered as the venue was plunged into darkness, the demographic was certainly not the teenage fandom I was expecting. A real mixture had emerged, of all ages and all were eager for the renowned rockers heading tonight’s bill. The proceedings began with a satisfying set list from Scholars but I was overly impressed with the credible collaboration, Canterbury. These boys are certainly ones to watch with a thriving set list which was nothing but admirable – if underrated, a favourite track being the suitably named ‘Friends? We’re More Like A Gang’.
Everything was muted and sparse until the clock hit eight-thirty, the rest of the core fans pouring through the doors just in time to see the awaited main act. Storming the stage with “Broken Hands” the band created a fiery fast-paced explosion and the men were greeted with a rapturous venue, busting with awe and appreciation. The repetitive riffs and guitar precision was demonstrated through tracks such as “Falter”, “No Way Back” and “Live Fast, Die Ugly” – a few interjected “woah”s kept them true to the genre. As the older generations haunted the edges of the Concorde, the energetic younger ones filled the duty of the much-needed mosh pit commanded by lead vocalist Colin Dolan.
The band delivered a razor-sharp professional performance and definitely had a lot up their collective sleeve, but there was something as an outsider to their discography that I wasn’t connecting with. It wasn’t a wholesome event; the set list dabbled into every album but it was more about connection between existing fans than issuing any new ones. Nevertheless, Hundred Reasons continue to build a solid reputation among many and leave you thinking, if not a fan already, that you’re missing out on something quite influential.
Hundred Reasons
Canterbury
Canterbury
Canterbury
Words by Amber Mellowship
Photography by Ruby Allcock
hundredreasons.com
What did you think of the gig?
Jay and Ollie: “Energetic, refreshing and nostalgic”
Emma and Daisy: “I thought they were good, got some of the crowd going as no one was really getting into it during the supports”
Chris: “I’ve only liked them for a year and a half. Thought they were very good!”
Elliot Douch (left): “Best band in the world!”
Nathan Douch (centre): “Amazing”
Charlie Steel (right): “Amazing show, quality”
