September 27th, 2011 
James Shotwell 
Artist: Hundredth
Album: Let Go
Genre: Christian Hardcore
Label: Mediaskare Records
Some time ago, I reviewed an album by a band called Blindside, a Christian metal band, and I mentioned that, for whatever reason, I was drawn to Christian metal/hardcore bands; not because of their devotion to God – not that I have anything wrong with it either – but because they just seem to be quite good at making music. Bands like The Chariot, Underoath, and Maylene have been favorites of mine for years, they could worship satan for all I care, they’re just great bands. That being said, the whole Christianity-in-music thing can get out of hand very quickly; I go to shows to see a band, not to hear some guy on stage tell me that Jesus loves me. I prefer the secular approach that bands like As I Lay Dying take; they’re only Christian in their personal lives, but it has nothing to do with their band. But generally speaking, it’s the metal and hardcore bands that take this a bit too far. Don’t get me wrong, I love hardcore, but when the tough guy attitude is combined with Jesus – or any ’cause’ for that matter – they can get very irritating, very quickly. Which is precisely where Hundredth comes in, they are a noisy, passionate, Christian hardcore band who just put out a new album, Let Go. Now, I love loud, chaotic, passionate music such as the aforementioned The Chariot; pure noise, if a riot were transcribed to music, and mixed with feedback, and I love it. But truth be told, these hardcore bands tend to become rather full of themselves quite quickly, especially when Jesus is on their side. But I was certainly hoping Hundredth didn’t fall victim to this inflated self-righteousness; the potential they had was undeniable. And plus, I could use a bit more chaos in my life.
Now, there is no point in trying to claim that Let Go has a flawless recording quality, or that their songs showcase an exemplary use music theory. In fact, this album would probably make a Berklee student cry. But I like that. Hundredth are very honest in the delivery of this album, they aren’t trying to be something they aren’t, they just have something to say, and music to make, and they’re doing just that. This modesty in their delivery serves as sufficient proof that Hundredth haven’t lost check of their egos, they’re just trying to be an honest hardcore band; one that can be used as an outlet for personal expression, not an excuse to preach. Quite the contrary, Hundredth are really just a positive group of guys, making music about what helps them stay positive, and that is probably the most admirable conquest in music. They aren’t perfect, but that’s just fine, that isn’t the point of Let Go, their first single “Live Today”, or the two part “Monumental Part I” and “Monumental Part II” are a good taste of this perfect imperfection, the recording quality is grimy, the melodies reek of dissonance, and yet, it all feels right.
Thankfully, it’s pretty clear that Hundredth are extremely capable of walking the very fine line that separates a Christian hardcore band from being too boring, and too irritating. They don’t err on the side of safety to the point where they just aren’t a hardcore band – it’s about more than noise, there has to be some passion involved – but at the same time, they don’t shove their Christianity down the listeners throats. I commend the fact that they’re passionate about their beliefs, and I definitely appreciate the band not trying to make themselves martyrs about it. The moment that I stop caring about a person’s opinion is when they forget that it is just that; an opinion. But Hundredth respects that idea, and therefore I can spend more time focusing on what’s really important here, the music. And in that light, they’re brilliant. Naturally, the majority of the population won’t agree with me, good old filthy hardcore isn’t for everyone, but those that do appreciate it will love Let Go. I know there are countless people out there, regardless of race, background, or religion, that need a little noise and brutality in their lives, and Hundredth fill that void beautifully. Unpolished and chaotic, brutal and passionate; a good, no excuses, no regrets example of old school hardcore, that is rarely pulled off, or even attempted these days. Christian hardcore strikes again.
SCORE 8/10
Reviewed by: Mike Hogan
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