The Hundred Days

The Bravery, Franz Ferdinand, and The Killers don't have a lock on rock with electro undercurrents, but they're one of the modern players at the moment and they have to compete with new acts forging their own sound everyday. The Hundred Days is one such group. Comprised of Their tracks wouldn't be out of place in a nightclub and yet there's a lot more to their sound than just a throbbing pulse to help two sweaty bodies coordinate their co-gyrations.Their video for "Sex U" follows in that vein and it's easy to get it hooked in your mind quickly. The single comes off their upcoming freshman album Really? which debuts later this year. - justpressplay.net

Whatever happened to good ole fashioned bombast? Singing about sex, falsetto lifts, talky breakdowns, clean guitars and cleaner drums bombast? We thought it was gone until we heard “Sex U.” The lead-off track on San Francisco’s The Hundred Days’ debut is a rare glimpse into a dying breed of freaky dance-rock songs that are awesome, above all, because they are big and fun and cheeky. Songs that lead to a land where the production value is high, the morals are low and the guys are just in it for the mannequins.
- rcrdlbl.com

Want to watch some guys getting their flirt on in a club? Want to see some women turn into mannequins? Want to see the guys smash the mannequins into little pieces? So, the video’s a bit bizarre. But the song’s sizzling. You can find ‘Sex U’ on the San Fran-based band’s debut album. - nme.com

Sometimes, you go to a show with no expectations, or even great expectations, and all the stars align just right. It doesn't matter how, or why, but you end up having the time of your life, having your mind blown, and skipping down the street afterward, marveling at how grand life is, and how lucky you are to live it.

That is exactly what happened on September 18th when a combination of last-second game-changers switched Your Examiner's itinerary from attending the Kele / Does It Offend You, Yeah? show at Mezzanine, to a decidedly smaller affair: The New Up, The Hundred Days and The Moanin' Dove at Cafe Du Nord (aka everyone's favorite former SF speakeasy). What really made this itinerary was the inclusion of The Hundred days—one of the most talented, fun bands in the bay area, and one that pleasantly surprises everyone in the room (and gets them grooving!).

Though it was Your Examiner's third time catching The Hundred Days in 2010 (previous shows having taken place at Bottom of the Hill and the Rickshaw Stop, respectively), it had been several months, and in the meantime, much music had been consumed. So while it was certain that THD would be fantastic on September 18th, Your Examiner couldn't quite put her finger on why. As it turns out, this would be the time it would stick, and chances are slim on forgetting again.

And so The Hundred Days took the stage second, after the fascinating and melodically rich sound of The Moanin' Dove. Playing against a backdrop of shimmery wall decorations (Cafe Du Nord has never looked so beautiful, or been so photographer-friendly!) as well as a healthy dose of fog (its no wonder these guys love to play with Scissors For Lefty, their co-headliner twice in 2010), The Hundred Days' sound—inspired by the likes of The Cure, Echo & The Bunnymen and Radiohead, to name a few—fit right in. Playing songs from their fantastic EP Miniluv (including the simply irrisistible "Disastar") as well as new songs (a highlight was "Sex U" —watch video from this song here). Talking with singer Jonathan Smith after the show, he revealed that the band is currently recording, and aims to have new music out in the first months of 2011.

Experiencing this set was one of those reminders that the world is a really beautiful place. If you get the chance to see The Hundred Days for yourself, you are encouraged to do so—they next play in SF on October 28th at Bottom of the Hill.
- San Francisco Examiner

San Francisco quartet sounding like Hot Fuss-era Killers, with the same dynamic of keyboards, upfront bass and delay-laden rock riffing. British post punk/new wave/raincoat-wearing influences such as The Cure, Echo & The Bunnymen and even Tears for Fears are evident, with added angular funkiness and a level of starry-eyed ambition and polish that should be set to thrill V festival goers from the get-go. The moody Silver and Gold and upbeat Spin are highlights. (Cbu) - Total Guitar Magazine, London England

"Out of Nowhere" - Like an upbeat Interpol, this indie sing-along gets the body jerking and the vocal chords working. - Total Guitar, London

We love a bit of anthemic college rock, and this San Francisco quartet are giving it The Killers with this cool debut single. They're quite swarve dressers too, don't you agree? That one in the white suit's been sprayed into those trousers. - QX London

We love a bit of anthemic college rock, and this San Francisco quartet are giving it The Killers with this cool debut single. They're quite swarve dressers too, don't you agree? That one in the white suit's been sprayed into those trousers. - QX London

One hundred days was the commitment made after four twentysomethings met in San Francisco in 2005. Their debut EP Miniluv is out next week and EF wanted to find out if these young guys have what it takes.

Miniluv opens with Out Of Nowhere, which starts with a luring guitar reminding us of some of Nirvana’s finest work but then in come the rest of the instruments and the song changes direction. This is more like The Cure or Echo And The Bunnymen, soft but not too soft.

Second single on the mini EP is just as captivating but this time The Hundred Days really put out. Spin builds-up then slows down then picks-up again. It’s a journey for your ears and you’ll enjoy all of it. Jon Smith’s distinctive voice works perfectly with the tone of the song and reminds us of The Cure’s Robert Smith on this track particularly.

The last track on the EP is another treat. Silver And Gold has a sense of urgency about it which leaves you almost breathless and wanting more once the mini EP reaches its end.

Miniluv ends and leaves you with an equally sad and happy face. How? Well first you are glad to have discovered that there is still decent music being created and second you are utterly gutted that The Hundred Days only treat you to three songs. Miniluv is a fantastic taster of the sound of The Hundred Days and we are definitely won over.
- Entertainment Focus, London England

The Hundred Days decided on their name after committing to spend just over three months writing, recording and honing their sound in a house in San Francisco. Described as indie alt/rock, Miniluv is razor sharp pop with added punk grit that's beyond moody and surprisingly accessible. FYI, one hundred days is also the amount of time Napoleon spent waiting to become King after returning from exile, but we don't suppose he would have liked this music very much. (4 out of 5 stars) - BOYZ London

Finally, a band who can answer that cliched interview question, so just how did you name your band? with a genuinely compelling reason. The Hundred Days a band formed in San Francisco in 2005 who made a commitment of one hundred days locked away in the same house, perfecting their sound; later settling of that commitment as their ultimate band name.

Fortunately, the music they produce lives up to the premise, shimmering indie rock with its roots in the likes of Echo And The Bunnymen, The Cure and The Teardrop Explodes but with the modern day sheen of The Killers and The Klaxons. MINILUV is the bands new EP and throws together a trio of songs that impress with their indie shine and sparkle. Vocalist Jon Smith croons like an eighties Manchester icon despite his San Franciscan roots; delivering a mixture of pomp, dourness and dark, brooding intensity; a deft combination of the Curtis/Cope/McCulloch trifector. The band indulge all manner of shimmering guitar arcs, spiraling drum patterns and brooding bass rumbles to back up the eighties indie vibe, never quite descending to mere hero worship though, The Hundred Days always more Interpol than Joy Division, more The Killers than New Order. OUT OF NOWHERE, SPIN and SILVER AND GOLD are all songs that showcase The Hundred Days as a band with the talent and charisma to win the hearts and minds, these songs chock full of drama, poise and a sense of the epic.
With MINILUV, The Hundred Days certainly show their influences with unabashed honesty; it's just fortunate that they inject enough personality and charm of their own to keep things intriguing and mesmerising to the end.
- UK Music Review

Four piece, The Hundred Days, have a great batch of catchy songs on this debut EP, poppy but slightly dark in tone like all the best indie rock bands, reminiscent of Killers or The Cure perhaps; melodic and slightly 80s in feel (but not in a bad way). Fantastic bass lines and hooky, memorable riffs accompany opening track 'Out Of Nowhere', track two 'Spin' is anthemic and makes you need to dance, it's a sure fire indie-club-night dance floor filler with cracking vocals. Great stuff. Final tune 'Silver and Gold' is more fuzz drenched and brooding, again, those punchy bass lines make an impact and the guitars soar beautifully.

Three solid indie rock tunes in the vein of Editors but with far more energy and a nice line in anthemic choruses which makes them quite uplifting. - Room Thirteen

The Hundred Days, a soaring alterna-psych-pop outfit from San Francisco, are like a younger, not-so-gothed-out version of everyone's favorite British sad bastards, The Cure.

The comparison isn't made lightly. Vocalist/guitarist Jon Smith had a way of elongating and twisting certain notes à la Robert Smith (no, they aren't related), while Marcus Keenan's bass playing was the most obvious connection between the two bands. It was equal parts rhythm and melody, something far too few bands attempt—and even fewer master. Guitarist/keyboardist Jimmy Chen rounded out the sound with magnificent synth flourishes. (A friend and I were curious whether their name has anything to do with The Cure's "One Hundred Years." Hmm ...) What distinguished The Hundred Days was their exquisitely catchy melodies coupled with introspective lyrics, their complete lack of pretension and an unassuming stage presence.
- Tucson weekly

San Francisco–based indie rock band the Hundred Days recently crammed into Live 105’s studio on a Sunday night, performing on program director Aaron Axelsen’s daily talk show, Soundcheck. The reason? The station selected them as one of the top 20 music acts playing in San Francisco today. Lucky for the two-year-old band, the city’s alternative rock station is not alone in noticing the group’s talent. Mixing engineer Mark Needham, who has worked with the likes of Chris Isaak and Fleetwood Mac, was so impressed that he invited the band to his Los Angeles studio to record their debut album. Next, famed producer Jeff Saltzman offered to produce the group’s new demo album—for free. “He said, ‘Hopefully, this will get you signed. Then you’ll hire me to produce the rest of the album,’” recounts drummer Colin Crosskill. Catch the Hundred Days this month, while you still can.
- San Francisco Magazine

“Although their resume may read as something more similar to that of a platinum album band, the Hundred Days deserve nothing less than the title of one of San Francisco's most hard-working bands. …The Hundred Days are only beginning what is promising to be a long career, so you better jump ahead and catch them live while it's still somewhat cheap and there are no convenience charges. As fellow Bay Area-ers, we should all be proud! - Zero Magazine

San Francisco quartet The Hundred Days conquers the moody indie pop world where Interpol and The Cure once reigned supreme. This album is solid from the first song onward, with bright, reverb-laden guitar, moody lyrical melodies and big sing-along choruses…. The Hundred Days have found a way to play what they want and make it work. Each track is alive with emotion, something that is lacking with many bands. This album is strongly recommended if you're looking for the next great road trip album or you're just tired of listening to the same old passionless garbage. The bottom line is The Hundred Days write great songs and leave you wanting more. (Self-released) - Performer Magazine

My good friend Agata and I made the trek out to Popscene last Thursday to catch one of the many Bay Area shows that starts promptly at ... 11:30. We felt like old ladies as we complained about the time and stood bopping our hips as the underage drunks danced like lunatics. But as The Hundred Days took the stage, the entire venue changed its tune (pardon the pun) and was united with one purpose - to watch a damn good band do their thing.
To start this post stream- of- consciousness- style - heavily distorted. singer very polished. annoying drunk guy in front of me keeps hugging his poor date. fans enthusiastic. they know the lyrics. fancy light show. guitarists engage in gibson-fenger duel. bass player kicks ass.

OK, enough of that. My first reaction to hearing The Hundred Days at all was that they sounded like they have very expensive editing equipment. But their songwriting immediately pops as something special, and upon seeing them live, it was made even clearer that these guys are extremely talented. And while their appearance at Popscene is probably just a first step toward becoming the next big radio band, it's nice to embrace them as locals while we can.

The ensemble filled the venue completely. Beginning by featuring drummer Colin Crosskill, the crowd went pretty crazy as each individual member climbed to the stage - Marc Keenan on bass, Jimmy Chen on guitar and keyboards and Jon Smith on guitar and vocals. To my surprise and delight, Keenan was featured multiple times. I'm always happy when a band spotlights the bass, particularly when the musician manipulating the instrument is clearly exceptional.

Chen, complete with two racks of keyboards and synths and his trusty Fender, was fantastic to watch. His movements were almost choreographically placed so he looked cool at every moment (sounds ridiculous, but just look at those photos!). His enthusiasm for the music shone through, as well as his multi-talented nature.

And Smith, with a rose placed carefully on his guitar head, shocked me the most with his voice. I was completely impressed with how clear and in-tune his voice was, but I did yearn for a slightly cleaner, less distorted, sound on his mic (to let his natural timbre come through). To be fair, this is a common complaint I have with bands. I'm completely for manipulation of instruments with effects, but I often feel like the effect goes just slightly too far, so the beauty of the instrument, or in this case, the voice, is masked a bit too much. But in this instance I'm only making that comment because I really could tell that this guy was good. It's reminiscent--and I won't draw comparisons--but it clearly stands out due to its sheer power.

So, still playing through Fender twin reverb amps and chattering kindly to the crowd between songs, The Hundred Days has not lost their genuine local band touch. It was a fantastic show, and it still felt like a good neighborhood show. Be on the lookout for these guys, and don't be surprised if you hear them playing bigger arenas in the near future.

~Words by Emily Logan
- Deli Magazine

"In a seemingly effortless blend of relentless rhythms, stirring vocals, layered guitars, and atmospheric keyboards, SF rockers The Hundred Days paint euphoric sound scapes on their eponymous new release. With a wall of feedback and airborne melodies, the band, take cues from the moody daze of shoegaze and the soaring qualities of some of Radiohead's best, and kick the tempo up a few notches. Singer Jon Smith's deep vocals complete the hazy, frenetic scene while still possessing clarity and a modern edge that bodes well for radio play. Both the airplane liftoff of the intro track and the gorgeous pre-finale of "Featurette" are striking to say the least. Rarely is new rock this sonically arresting." - The Owl Mag.com

"… They will rock and roll right off the charts! See for yourself the history that is being made, I'm
speaking of The Hundred Days. Rocking rhythms, booming guitars, burning hot melodies that make any romantic crumble from the inside. The Hundred Days are making a name for themselves with every howl through the microphone. You'll want to see these fresh faces before they blow up, as it's gonna happen.
Good for them....shitty for us but that's what happens with kick-ass-good groups... that, or they hit it and quit it. Either way the time is now and I wouldn't miss it for the world."
- Nitewise.com

“This young San Francisco band handily topples indie rock's slack and sloppy clichés with their forceful, brutish rhythms, mammoth guitars and triple-action, from-the-gut vocal onslaught.

- Splendid Magazine

“….There’s not a bad track in the lot, a lofty distinction many signed bands can’t claim. With a hungry, troubled mood elevated from the dark corners by violins, The Hundred Days manages to be ethereal yet gritty, emerging as one of the best new bands to hit the San Francisco music scene this year.” - SFWeekly

"The Hundred Days are one of the best local bands we have." -DJ Miles, Live 105 - 105.3 FM San Francisco