Album Review :
Hundred Year Storm - Hello From The Children Of Planet Earth
Band: Hundred Year Storm
Title: Hello From The Children Of Planet Earth
Label: Floodgate Records
Release Date: 8/22/06
Review By: Josh IndieVision
Tracklisting:
01. 00:01
02. Yesterday We Had It All
03. Walking Away From What You Deserve
04. August On Fire
05. Where Beauty Never Dies
06. The Golden Record
07. All This Time
08. Beloved
09. Winter Is Always Good For Broken Hearts
10. Reach
11. Crash And Burn
12. Pilot’s Last Broadcast
Members/Duties:
Bill McCharen: Vocals, Guitars
David Kiesel: Guitars, Vocals
Brandon Johnson: Drums
Shane Fling: Bass, Keys, Vocals
Hundred Year Storm formed in the summer of 2003 in Austin, TX. “Hello From The Children Of Planet Earth” is HYS’ debut full-length on the growing roster at Floodgate.
I doubt Florence Nightingale would have thought her voice would be the intro of Hundred Year Storms new effort. “I hope my voice may perpetuate the great work of my life” is the line she spoke. After that the guitarist begins to lightly pick the strings before being accompanied by the rest of the band. The music builds into an atmospheric chorus which repeats “Here’s to new beginnings. Here’s to a new start.” The track is more an instrumental opener, than a true song but I actually enjoyed the music and the band’s approach. HYS clearly likes instrumentation mixed with recorded audio clips as it is used in two other tracks: “The Golden Record” and “Pilot’s Last Broadcast”. There is no verse/chorus/verse found here. The shape and sounds vary and make these songs truly enjoyable even without lyrics.
The haunting melodies of “Winter Is Always Good For Broken Hearts” are breathtaking when mixed with McCharen’s soothing vocals. “Crash And Burn” is probably the loudest track and presents an epic experience. McCharen’s vocals become more forceful here to step up and meet the guitars.
Standout Tracks:
Overall Rating: HYS shows their ability to play their music while using different styles and emotions. They’ll offer a more pop-oriented song, then switch it up with an keyboard led track with an indie vibe. Each song is similar at it’s base and you know it’s them but with each track you will find yourself taken to different places. They capitalize on using music as part of the expression of passion. This is an album that you can listen to over and over.
Individual Ratings:
Album Art/Design: I’m usually never disappointed with Floodgate Records booklets and this one is no exception. Most of it is filled with small pictures and diagrams of all sorts of things. Very professional and clean looking.
Lyrics: Topics: Joy/Hope (“Winter Is Always Good For Broken Hearts”), possibly a question posed to God (“Reach”), an encouragement to keep going and press on (“Yesterday We Had It All”) [All Lyrics Included]
Marketability: I think the potential for this album is quite high. It’s one of the most beautiful albums I’ve listened to. Floodgate has been consistently impressing me as of late.
Production: Stellar! Greatly impressed with the tones, volumes, and overall capturing of this band’s atmospheric sounds. I don’t think it could have been done better.
Vocals: McCharen has a good range and utilizes it on this album. He presents different styles: sometimes soft and soft, some commanding and forceful, to mid range melodies.
Similar To:Copeland, This Beautiful Mess,
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