“Gobsmacked” hits like a synth-laden sucker punch from Hundred Plus Club, a track that feels yanked from an alternate 80s timeline where Joy Division decided to embrace their inner dance demons. Zain Shirazi’s vocals float above the mix, a spectral presence delivering cryptic lines that could either be profound metaphors or the ramblings of a man who’s had one too many late-night conversations with his houseplants.
The drum machine churns relentlessly, providing a metronomic backdrop for the band’s exploration of melancholy. It’s the sonic equivalent of pacing in a dimly lit room, thoughts spiraling into ever-darker territories. The bass line, meanwhile, performs acrobatics that would make Peter Hook nod in approval, slinking through the track with the grace of a cat burglar robbing a synth store.
Lyrically, “Gobsmacked” is a Rorschach test set to music. “I see those menacing eyes / I wanna buy a bird / But I can’t contain” Shirazi intones, leaving listeners to wonder if this is a commentary on the human condition or simply the result of a particularly vivid cheese dream. The ambiguity is the point, inviting multiple interpretations and probably a few existential crises.
As the song progresses, Hundred Plus Club cranks up the intensity, transforming “Gobsmacked” from a brooding slow-burn into a cathartic release. The final act unleashes a maelstrom of live drums and searing guitar, as if the band suddenly remembered they’re allowed to make noise. It’s a climax that feels earned, a sonic representation of finally screaming into the void after hours of silent contemplation.
“Gobsmacked” is more than just a track; it’s a mood ring for the perpetually perplexed. Hundred Plus Club has crafted a song that manages to be both a throwback and oddly timeless, perfect for late-night drives, existential crises, or simply standing in the rain while pretending you’re in a music video. It’s a bold step forward for the band, proving that sometimes the best way to move ahead is to look back – just don’t forget to add a modern twist and a healthy dose of Buffalo grit.
B-Side Guys 
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