Hundred Year Storm, the Austin-based modern rockers on Floodgate Records, doesn't want to be locked into any one style. Any expectation you bring, they will gladly smash.
Gleefully, in fact. Their Floodgate debut, "Hello From the Children of Planet Earth" defies categorization. This is as close as I can get: modern space rock with an emphasis on moody soundscapes, created expertly with imposing guitars, soaring melody lines and layered haunting vocals. The lyrical album delves into life's intricacies, exploring everything from straight-up love to a nine minute space odyssey, the stunning "The Golden Record." Its inventive soundscape takes space rock to a new level, incorporating space travel news loops, industrial sounds and lonely riffs that build to a cathartic explosion of beauty, asking listeners to consider Who Else might be with us in this world.
Frontman Bill McCharen's vocals travel from muscular strength to hushed reverence throughout the multi-faceted project. Opener "00:01" begins the album perfectly, with loops of Florence Nightingale munchkin-like voice, as McCharen exults in our "new beginnings, a new start." Florence continues, "Remember, it will be up to us to make the world of tomorrow a better and happier place." HYS's thundering guitars make you believe it could be.
I enjoyed the melodic changes and hushed vocals of "August on Fire" and its descriptive lyrics swelter with reality. The soaring anthemic chorus of "Where Beauty Never Dies" had me on my feet. It is the personification of stirring uplifting music, making you yearn for more. Another standout track is the lush melodic rocker "Beloved," with its gorgeous layered vocals. And enchanting closer "Pilot's Last Broadcast," from their earlier self-titled EP is an experience not to be missed.
Hundred Year Storm. is raising the bar. You can thank them, and do yourself a favor, by picking up their "Hello From the Children of Planet Earth" when it hits the streets August 22nd.
