ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS play Soundscapes Tuesday (May 10) and the Great Hall May 13. See listing. Rating: NNNN
When One Hundred Dollars recorded their first album, Forest Of Tears, they had only been playing together for six weeks. Now a well-practised, beefed-up six-piece, they bring a new confidence to their distinct brand of urban country.
Though it’s very much in the country tradition, Songs Of Man is a surprisingly diverse listen. Paul Mortimer, moved from bass to lead guitar, brings extra oomph to Waiting On Another and Black Gold, while the sparser Aaron’s Song proves they’re just as adept at stripped-back acoustic numbers that let Simone Schmidt’s strong, twangy vocals do most of the work.
The diversity makes sense, considering that the band works within the story-song tradition. Each song was written from a different character’s perspective and given its own day of recording. But despite being clearly country, One Hundred Dollars avoid cheatin’-hearts and cowboy-boots posturing, instead focusing on contemporary issues and situations.
Top track: Black Gold
