Central Station, Wrexham: 20/02/06

For those of you who don’t know, Wrexham is a sleepy Borderlands town in North East Wales. I have a Love/Hate relationship with it, I was born here, I left, came back, left again, and you always felt that something could happen, but so many false dawns, dawned.

Central Station has seen some fine acts pass through its doors; Robert Plant, The Charlatans, Athlete and so many, many more. You get the picture… It has had its fair share of criticism; for the sound, the lighting; but credit where credit’s due, owner Matt has kicked this place into shape, and in 2006 it is one of the premier venues in North Wales. It now has acoustic clarity and much better lighting; it gives the impression that someone, somewhere has realised its potential and taken a grip, shaken off the dust, and started to really give a fuck. It’s a welcome surprise.

So it’s somewhat apt that Hundred Reasons should play this venue in this sleepy old town, because they are also experiencing something of a re-birth, after leaving Sony Music, one stunning debut album and a disappointing follow-up. The band has spent most of 2005 redefining their craft, while their next record will come out on the V2 label, which will open new doors for the band. The new album, preceded by single Kill Your Own, shows a band not afraid to spread its wings in the studio, and create what they finally feel is their ‘Sound’

This has been transferred to their live show. I have seen the band several times, from stunning first album tour shows, to great support slots, but the mediocre second album syndrome raised its ugly head, and having spoken to the band earlier it’s clear why the band lost their way - slightly. But tonight in Wrexham it’s a re-birth, from opener Broken Hands through to closing song Silver,’ 2006 sees Hundred Reasons taking the reigns, doing what they do best, playing from the heart with real passion; pride, dedication, and a direction; not worried about the critics, but giving a ‘one night only’ type of performance.

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It’s clear that the band are having fun; they smile a lot more, they seem at ease with the fact that they are ‘starting again.’ In the UK they have a dedicated audience, but in Mainland Europe and America this will be the first album for the band, so they are playing again like a first album band. They drop in I’ll Find You as the second song, it’s a brash and bold move, and many seem surprised that they throw away such a ‘big’ set song so early. It shows the confidence they once again possess, they have no fear, but why?

Answer: Simply that they have 17 songs to get through tonight, with many from forthcoming new album YOUR OWN that drops in March. The songs on that album soar in a live setting, they were made to be played this way, while older tunes such as Falter and If I Could sound fresh and bold. The crowd seemed to up a gear as the show progressed, getting more rowdy by the minute, but also singing along to every word. The audience tonight is mostly ‘Generation NeXt’ - the download factor is playing a major part of tonight’s response. I chat to people before the show and they tell me stories like ‘My mate sent me over a couple of tracks on mp3, I liked them, so here I am.’ This tells a story of ‘Good Songs’ for no matter what you look like, the combination of good songs and being a great live act, is still a lethal one. Hundred Reasons are blessed with both these vital qualities.

So as we leave to breathe in the cold night-time air, I reflect on seeing a great returning band (who I have to admit I had written off), in an emerging venue resurrected from it’s past to play a major part in the area’s musical future. Tonight Wrexham has awoken from it’s slumber and is a great place to be. I hope Hundred Reasons return to play because I will be there to see them, and if they don’t I would travel. So check out those tour dates at www.hundredreasons.com where you can also find some taster tracks to listen to This band is worth your time, so give it some…

Jj – 2006

Set List:

Broken Hands

I’ll Find You

What You Get

The Perfect Gift

Drowning

Harmony

The Chance

No Pretending

Answers

This Mess

Live Fast, Die Ugly

Feed The Fire

Falter

If I Could

Kill Your Own

Oratorio

Silver