Reviewed by Juan Zambrano
Hundred Bucks, the latest release by Niagara Falls alt-rockers James Blonde, is a catchy and poignant reminder that wealth cannot buy spiritual fulfillment.
Hundred Bucks’ lyrics present a protagonist who seeks comfort in wealth, after finding only humiliation in everything else. Such humiliation is presented in the song’s verses, in which the protagonist tells of his failed attempts at a good time at the movies and striking up a conversation with a girl. The verses serve as Hundred Bucks’ lyrical branches. They provide background on the protagonist’s general situation, allowing the listener to empathise with the song’s protagonist.
If its verses are the branches, then its chorus is the core of Hundred Bucks. Where the verses show the protagonist’s situation the chorus paints an image of who the protagonist is. This person is someone who outwardly champions materialism as a path to happiness yet knows deep down this is far from the truth. This denial is most evident in the chorus’ opening and closing phrases, “A hundred bucks is all you need, for your soul to feel complete” and “A hungry heart is never free.”
The protagonist’s internal struggle comes to a head at the end of the second chorus, as they have an epiphany. “I forgot to carry the one. It turns out all you need is none.” The chorus then closes out the song, this time ending with the protagonist beginning to distance themselves from their wealth-centric lifestyle. “A hundred bucks is all you need, for you to make a fool of me.”
While its lyrics deliver the message, its Hundred Bucks’ musical arrangement that ensures it sticks with the listener. An airy synth intro and harmony open the door, while a bombastic electric guitar greets the listener on the other side. A moderately fast bass and upbeat drums dominate in the verse. The bass then takes a back seat during the chorus as Steph Mercier’s powerful guitar takes centre stage alongside more pronounced drums. Add a vocal performance that harkens back to Bryan Adams and the result is philosophy that exudes rock & roll.
James Blonde is a three-piece, consisting of Neil Carson, Phil Taylor and Steph Mercier, on bass, drums and guitar respectively. The three share vocal duties. They are currently on tour and will be performing at The Garrison in Toronto, on March 11. Other stops include Montreal, Kingston, Ottawa, Peterborough and St. Catharines.
