Umm ... Drop

East Hundred.

by Katherine Silkaitis

Since forming in 2004 East Hundred have undergone some changes, adding members and transitioning from an electronica-focused studio band to a dynamic indie rock group along the lines of Broken Social Scene and Denali.

With two EPs under their belt—one produced by the highly esteemed John McEntire of Tortoise—they’re gearing up to release their debut full-length, Passenger, recorded by Philly uberproducer Brian McTear of Bitter Bitter Weeks. With the album’s release, East Hundred drummer Will Blair says he hopes listeners are “surprised in a good way.” The first two EPs, he explains, “were spent looking for and experimenting with our sound. On this one we haven’t found it, but we’ve gotten so much closer. We’ve matured, and so has the sound. I think it’s a bit stronger all around.”

Blair has high hopes for the new year. “We feel strongly about this record, and hopefully it can get recognized,” he says. “I think we finally put something together that reflects what we want to do and who we really are.”

Singer Beril Guceri has more utilitarian expectations for the record: “If we became someone’s totally favorite band, that would be awesome.” With an infectious giggle, Guceri adds she hopes “it’s a good makeout record or something.”