Old Hundred

Old Hundred sprung up from the Columbus DIY scene that also spawned Saintseneca, All Dogs, Van Dale and numerous other Ohio greats. For the past half-decade they’ve been kicking out deftly layered rustic anthems, exploring life’s big questions via searing harmonies, expansive arrangements, and urgent tempos. They make folk-rock in the vein of Dawes and Fleet Foxes feel vibrant and compelling — no easy task these days. That legacy of excellence continues with I Don’t Want To Die, the EP they’re releasing next month, to be followed by a new album called Let In The Light. “I’ll Be There (When You Die),” the first song Old Hundred has shared from the EP, sets Blake Skidmore’s melodious weathered rasp against fervent rhythms and arguably the most formidable wall of sound they and longtime producer Josh Antonuccio (Southeast Engine, Vetiver) have ever conjured. It’s a winner, so listen to it below. - Stereogum

If you haven’t noticed from previous entries, Ohio tends to foster a cache of excellent folk bands within its borders. Old Hundred is no exception, and is probably the most traditional group to pluck a banjo within this subset. The quintet is currently making trips to Appalachian wonderland Athens, Ohio (home to another band down this list), to record the followup to their wistful 2010 self-titled debut. - Paste Magazine