Hundredth‘s new full-length, Somewhere Nowhere is due out next week, October 9th, and today they’re sharing another preview of their dreamy new direction with their latest single, “Slack.” The South Carolina-based band’s sound has grown leaps and bounds over the past few years, from their origins in hardcore to their bold turn into kinetic shoegaze on 2017’s critically acclaimed RARE, to the effervescent dream-pop of their 2019 singles. Now Somewhere Nowhere finds the group pushing their sound further than ever before as they dive headfirst into vibrant synth-pop.
“Slack” offers Hundredth’s take on unabashed pop, fully embracing the widescreen hooks and keyboard-driven sound they’d previously only hinted at. In contrast to the bright melodies and lush instrumentation vocalist Chadwick Johnson sings about existential uncertainty and the challenge of finding flexibility in an increasingly structured world.
For over a decade, Hundredth have pushed themselves out of their songwriting comfort zones in a never-ending pursuit of sonic renewal that’s become more drastic with each release. This uncommon course has earned them critical acclaim from the likes of Stereogum, Uproxx, FLOOD, BrooklynVegan, and more—as well as loyal listeners, who have come to trust that quality is the only predictable element of a new Hundredth song. Now with Somewhere Nowhere the group have taken their biggest leap yet in crafting a boundary-defying, synth-pop tour de force that once again completely redefines the band. “It’s always been about where we are right now—what we want to hear, what’s inspiring in the moment,” Johnson explains. “We’re always growing and changing as people, so it makes sense that the music does too.”
Somewhere Nowhere takes full advantage of the endless possibilities in electronic music while still maintaining an essential human element in its instrumentation and lyrics. There’s a sense of uncertainty and darkness amidst the technicolor sounds as Johnson tries to unpack the challenges that face his generation, and while the album doesn’t offer any easy answers, Hundredth have shown they’re willing to face change. “If we’re going to do something, we’re going to go all in,” Johnson says. “Each album represents where we are, and I don’t plan on stopping.”