Among the mass exodus from extreme genres like metal and hardcore to more instrospective, shoegaze-derivative sounds is Myrtle Beach’s Hundredth, whose decade-old metalcore proclivities have eased into restrained post-punk in recent years. Following 2017’s ’gazy RARE LP, the group has embarked on a new project: a singles series revealing their further progression dream pop.
The latest installment drops today in the form of “Leave Yourself,” a slice of loaded pop comprised of wandering guitars and somnambulistic lyrics. According to vocalist/guitarist Chadwick Johnson: “‘Leave Yourself’ started out with the loose aim of trying to write our version of “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure. Obviously we veered from that path along the way, but it’s funny to think about where songs start. While we were putting together the instrumental we almost ruined it by trying to overcomplicate it. When I went to write lyrics and vocals, I decided to play on that exact concept. We often overthink and overanalyze rather than relying on instinct.
“The song is about the dichotomy of wanting to do everything and nothing at the same time,” Johnson continues. “It’s both an external question of possibility and a solution to internal scrutiny. Ultimately, ‘Leave Yourself’ is a song about getting out of your own way.” Listen to the track below.
