ACT IV: REBIRTH IN REPRISE

After six long years The Dear Hunter has brought us part 4 of the intended 6 Acts which follow the conceptual story of a boy/man known as "the Dear Hunter". Casey Crescenzo, for the uninformed, is basically the "brains" behind the band. He composes most of all the music the band has put out. The rest of the current line-up consists of his brother Nick Crescenzo (drums), Robert Parr (guitars,keys, and vocals), Nick Sollecito (bass), Maxwell Tosseau ( guitars, keyboards,aux perc, vocals), and Andrew Brown (keys and vocals). For this album he also enlisted the talents of The Awesome Orchestra. I must be upfront and state that, as far as I am aware, Casey writes all the material and the others members either play what he composed note for note or expand and add to his ideas. This would include the orchestra as well. This is a matter that only Casey and his bandmates would know amongst themselves. That being said, let's tear into this album. Track 1. Rebirth- Keeping in line with the first 3 Acts the album opener is quite theatrical. Lush background vocals accompany Mr. Crescenzo's singing as light strings and acoustic guitar provide the back drop. The song eventually morphs into an orchestral segment which at times evokes the feeling of tension or being chased. This song lead straight into track 2

Track 2. The Old Haunt- Cue the drums! A snare lick kicks off this rocking number. Lot's of tasty drumming in this song. Tasty use of drum rims. Lush harmonies and great use of orchestra (common throughout album). The song builds and builds with the lyrics "Now we wake up. Wake up!" Another orchestral section at the end does a call back to a previous album leading into track 3

Track 3. Waves- This could easily be on the radio. More straight ahead, but still clever arrangements and tasty little things. The bridge is quite delight to my ears.

Track 4. At The End Of The Earth- This song start with percussive sounds and keys in background. Kind of sounds ominous to me. The piano kicks in adding to the layering of the song. Casey's vocals have only gotten stronger from year to year.

Track 5. Remembered- Clever interplay between piano and orchestra. A song like this is not trying to be a hit single. To me it is an interlude. My favorite part being when you think song is over and piano melody softly kicks in again.

Track 6. A Night On The Town- Clocking in at 9 minutes it's easily the longest track. However, with all the different sections, it doesn't drag or make listener lose interest. It has horns, piano, strings and a very catchy chorus.

Track 7. Is There Anybody Here?- So up to this point there hasn't been much for guitar solos. Dinner is served. The end of this great song treats the listener to a very tasty, and at some points technical, guitar solo outro. Mr. Crescenzo can shred on guitar, but only does so when he feels it serves the song. Got some Pink Floyd vibes from it.

Track 8. The Squeaky Wheel- Very catchy chorus and almost Beatle-esque in some parts. I liked it a lot.

Track 9. The Bitter Suite IV and V: The congregation and the sermon in the Silt- The bombastic side of the band shows up. Theatrical beginning. Over the top and not ashamed of it. This is the side of the band that some love and others call "pretentious". I think the latter description is an over used insult thrown at bands who try to go big. I enjoy this side of the band.

Track 10. The Bitter Suite VI: Abandon- Very ethereal song. Even a minor drum solo in it. Once again for the song. Not for sake of showing off.

Track 11. King of Swords (Reversed)- Two questions.1. A disco song?2. How did you make it work? Because it does! Radio friendly all the way. Might throw the snobby fans off, but as usual the band doesn't really seem to care. Put on your dancing shoes.

Track 12. If All Goes Well- Good track. Pure gold at around 2:15 section of song.

Track 13. The Line- Stripped down song, but still lush.Almost Dust in the Wind like in a way

Track 14. Wait- One of the heavier songs on album. Tasteful use of effects on vocals on certain parts

Track 15. Ouroboros- The closing track. A disturbing track. Lyrics says " I never wanted to hurt no one. No one but you" The song/slash album almost leaves the listener hanging, but I believe that was the intent. In summary I believe the album to be incredible. The arrangements, vocals, instrumentation are all top notch as is the production aspect. I believe Casey Crescenzo to be Brian Wilson like. His bandmates are incredible musicians in their own right. Check it out!