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The 101

The 101 (2004)
Self Starter Foundation

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Contributed by: The Tommunist
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on April 22nd 2005

Sometimes you just know it’s going to be good.

Having been totally in love with Christie Front Drive, one of the original bands of what I guess people used to consider emo, and to a lesser extent Antarctica, I was thrilled to find out that Eric Richter, who fronted both of those bands, had a new band called the 101. And to cut to the chase, it’s good. Really, really good.

The music is pretty far off from both Christie Front Drive and Antarctica. The songs here are much more upbeat than anything Eric Richter has put out before. The guitars jangle, the bass pumps, and everything just bounces along. Hooks and melodies just ooze from these five songs. There are even a couple of little breakdowns here and there, like in “Real.” Granted, it's not the most original music, but it’s damn catchy, and a welcome addition to the varied styles Richter has played.

Eric Richter sounds just as he did in Christie Front Drive, but with quite a bit of passion and energy in his voice. His delivery in “Psychotropic Love” and “6/8” especially stand out. He has some effects sprinkled on his voice but it’s never anything too distracting. Lyrically, we have personal little ditties, but it's never overbearing lovey-dovey mush. Of course, it would have been helpful to have included the lyrics, but you can’t win them all.

The production leaves a bit to be desired. The vocals just seem to be a bit too low in the mix, but on the plus side, the bass is very nicely audible. In addition to the less-than-stellar production, the EP is way too short. The five songs bounce by in less than twelve minutes. Just when you really get into it, it’s over. Luckily, the 101 already has their debut full-length out and ready to rock.

Without a doubt, Eric Richter has again brought us audio gold. With these five songs, we get a good taste of what the 101 has to offer. If their 2005 full-length Green Street fixes the minor production problems and stays on the same track as this EP, then the 101 could become a major force of upbeat pop-rock.

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Anonymous (April 25, 2005)

"Jimmy Eat World...they quote CFD...."

I remember them doing a split with CFD, but saying that it was because they were friends. Plus, if you knew anything about anything you'd know that JEW started out as an almost skate-punk band with SDRE leanings (that only got more pronounced as they matured). And I could be wrong, but I think their first album came out either before or around the same time as CFD's first, which makes the whole "musical influence" thing extra unlikely.

I guess what's really important is that you're wrong, though. So nany-nany boo-boo.

Anonymous (April 24, 2005)

"Christie Front Drive were anything but influential. I can't ever recall a recent band citing CFD as an influence what-so-ever."

Ever heard of a little band called Jimmy Eat World...they quote CFD as one of their main influences and really owe much of their career to the band and have mentioned so on many occasions.

Theres really no question here...CFD were traiblazers and if you don't think so then you need to do your HW and come back with a better argument. I'm game if you are...

-burning13

Kenjamin (April 24, 2005)

Christie Front Drive were anything but influential. I can't ever recall a recent band citing CFD as an influence what-so-ever.

Anonymous (April 24, 2005)

"as is your post...no wonder you're anonymous...ur missing out on one of the most influential bands of our generation..."

Influential? Maybe as a cautionary tale: "how to make uninspired emo in twelve easy steps." They were an ok band back when there weren't a lot of other "emo" choices... but that's it. And they certainly didn't stand out among their peers.