[REVIEW] The Dear Hunter – The Color Spectrum

The Dear Hunter

The Color Spectrum (CD Version)

Triple Crown Records

Release: June 14^th, 2011

The Dear Hunter are without a doubt one of the most intriguing bands around in the current state of music.  With Casey Crescenzo (formerly of The Receiving End of Sirens) as the brain and visionary behind the music, he has done an amazing job at telling a story through three albums that all connect with one another.  The most incredible part about the band is the massive amounts of instruments they use on their records.  It is quite impressive the way the members can be so skillful at such a wide array of instruments.  The band took a step back from the story they had been telling to create a concept masterpiece called The Color Spectrum, a project that would include nine EPs withholding 4 songs each, with the music corresponding to the color of the EP.  Although I only have had the opportunity to hear the CD version, which samples songs from all 9 EPs, it is already very clear that this overwhelming journey the band set on to create The Color Spectrum is sure to be a success when all 36 tracks are released.

The sampler album starts off with a song from the Black EP entitled, “Filth and Squalor”, which is easily one of the strongest tracks on the release.  The eerie electronic noises found through out set a great tone for the song, before the infectious chorus swoops in and grabs you by throat.  Casey shows off just how powerful and strong his voice has become over his astounding musical career.  This song makes me wonder if the Black EP will be my favorite from the release.

After hearing Andy Hull of Manchester Orchestra make a phenomenal cameo in the first single “Deny It All”, you reach what is in my opinion the most enjoyable song chosen for the CD version of this project. “But There’s Wolves” from the Orange EP starts off with a brilliant riff that leads the song throughout.  The off beat double bass drum kicks found in the verses really sound awesome as well as original.  Just over the half way mark of the song the band tears into an insanely technical jam out and extended electric guitar solo before they smoothly transition back into the main riff.  Fans of any genre of rock music will enjoy this song greatly.

After you make your way further along in the album, you get the sense that some of the EPs will go for more of a rock sound with electric guitars, while others will focus on the soft sound of the acoustic guitar accompanied by various other instruments and lighter drums.  However, the band proves through “The Canopy” that they have no problem switching back from loud to light and that they have the ability to make it seem like an effortless transition.

It is very hard to judge this product as a whole because I only have less than a third of the total package to listen to at this time.  Also, it will also be important to hear these songs in the context of their colored EPs along with the other 3 songs that will accompany them.  However, not everyone will have the money or attention span to consume the whole project and this 11-track sampler will be perfect for them.  As for myself, I am ecstatic to soon take the adventure that is The Color Spectrum.  I will need to start saving for the gorgeous $80 package that Triple Crown Records and The Dear Hunter have put together, I’m sure it is worth every penny.

Review By Chris Bongiovanni