Since first coming together under the name ‘Floors’, Hundred Reasons have played on many stages and at numerous festivals. But seeing them at the Manchester Academy on Saturday just proved they are still at their best.
The Aldershot band formed in 1999, using elements of emo, post-hardcore and alternative rock to create their unique sound. After winning Best New Band at the Kerrang! Awards in 2000, they released their debut album Ideas Above Our Station in 2002, which peaked at number 6 in the UK Albums Chart that year.
The Academy welcomed two brilliant opening acts that night; London’s very own My Vitriol and Hell Is For Heroes.
First on stage were alternative rock band My Vitriol. The crowd cheered and shouted at lead singer Som Wardner, who amused the audience with banter about the slight technical issues. As an opener, they set the stage well for the rest of the concert and played incredibly well despite some concertgoers saying they couldn’t hear Som’s guitar.
Next was Hell Is For Heroes, a post-hardcore band who have played with Hundred Reasons in the past. Singer Justin Schlosberg brought such high energy to his performance, as he was swinging the mic stand around, doing handstands in front of drummer Joe Birch, and even crowd-surfing about halfway through the set!
The main event was finally here, and the band entered the stage to a sea of anticipation from the loving audience. As Hundred Reasons got into position, gold spots and smoke flooded the stage, and the vibrating bass from Andy Gilmour could be felt from the back of the room. Colin Doran’s singing was passionate and heartfelt, which really added a personal aspect to the show. It was clear this band was not just going to play- they were going to perform.
Their second song ‘What You Get’, was a really emotional song, using more melodic tones and thoughtful lyrics. The crowd were belting the lyrics back at Doran, and it was my favourite song of the night.
To say Hundred Reasons have only just released their first album in 15 years, the experience this band has had together just poured out from their performance, and their confidence was not shaken at all. The entire show was phenomenal, and they have certainly made their way onto my playlist!
