Hundredth are celebrating the one year anniversary of RARE, their fourth full-length and the sonic rebirth that propelled the band into bold new direction and landed on Stereogum’s Best Albums of 2017 list. To celebrate the band have a surprise release of Ultrarare, a complete reimagining of seven RARE tracks that expands the band’s sound even further.
Ultrarare takes the melodies of RARE and removes any semblance of aggression, leaving the layers of reverb and adding warm synth textures and a dream pop sensibility. Singer/guitarist Chadwick Johnson’s ethereal voice floats above the tracks guiding the listener through yet another impressive sonic pivot. Ultrarare is not only another essential listen from an ambitious band, it’s proof that Hundredth aren’t done evolving yet.
Johnson describes Ultrarare, saying, “The production of RARE was very focused— It was based around big, reverby guitars and driving drums. I was listening back one day to the album and felt like some of the the songs could be reinterpreted and take on a whole new vibe. I started toying around on a couple of the songs using synths instead of guitars and the songs went to a completely different place. RARE is a rush. Ultrarare is the comedown.”
In 2017 Hundredth was at a crossroads. The band had released three full-lengths of explosive hardcore, built a large and loyal fanbase, toured the world, and experienced more than they ever expected when they started the band in Charleston, South Carolina; but creatively they were spent. The boundaries of hardcore were beginning to feel constricting and the choice was clear: evolve or end. From that urgency, RARE was born. Hundredth’s fourth full-length is a thrilling departure that allowed the band to tap into their longtime love of classic shoegaze, post-punk, and alternative, while pushing fearlessly into new musical territory. RARE was met with acclaim from fans and critics alike, who praised the band’s risk-taking spirit and the undeniable authenticity from which their new sound was crafted.
Ultrarare track list:
1. Youth (Ultrarare Version)
2. Vertigo (Ultrarare Version)
3. Suffer (Ultrarare Version)
4. Grey (Ultrarare Version)
5. Neurotic (Ultrarare Version)
6. White Squall (Ultrarare Version)
7. Departure (Ultrarare Version)