Customer Reviews

Act II: Meaning of & All Things Regarding Ms Leadi

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It is so very rare to find a band who, no matter what you listen to, demands respect and at least a polite listen. The Dear Hunter is such a band. Started as the side project of Casey from The Recieving End Of Sirens, The Dear Hunter allowed him to play songs that didn't quite fit their "controlled chaos" sound. The result was two of the most experimental and musically brilliant rock albums created in a very long time (Dear Ms. Leading, and this albums predicessor Act I). This album is a continuation of his musical masterpiece, crossing all generes into such priviously unmixed genres as Ragtime, Jazz, Lounge, Swing, Classical, Latin, and Progressive Rock. Add that kind of musical tallent to Casey's incredible vocals and storyline lyrics and you have Act II. Definately one of the best albums of this year, if not the best. A flawlessly crafted musical experiance, and a must listen for anyone who considers themselves a music fan.

Well, what have we here? A brilliantly realized album that successfully cross-pollinates many genres of music to form an original hybrid. The mad genius behind this band is the ex-singer and multi-instrumentalist of "The Receiving End of Sirens", which showed much creativity in their debut CD, but I believe this is a more fully realized work, and a better showcase for Casey's unparalleled talents. The CD kicks off with a short symphonic intro, then blasts into a heart-stomping rocker with "The Procession". "The Lake and the River" boasts some awesome collaborative choruses, with layered vocals and an ending that sounds like a group of convicts singing about their hardships on a chain-gang, complete with locomotive sounds and heavily-strummed slide guitar. This segues into "The Oracles on the Delphi Express", which is a ragtime number that has a nifty electric guitar ditty in the middle that fits perfectly with the song. "The Bitter Suite" is an emotional, complex cut with keyboards, intense percussion, and a jazzy piano breakdown that charges into a swaggering, multi-layered "swing" vocal section with stealthy piano/guitar interplay in the background. My favorite songs are probably "Smiling Swine" and "Evicted", which are both extremely catchy and feature excellent vocals and harmonies. "Smiling Swine" starts with a propulsive piano melody that would sound at home in a jazz/bluegrass festival. "Blood of the Rose" is a minimalist Spanish number with acoustic guitar that reminds me of something you'd hear during a tragic play about Zorro's untimely death. The rest of the songs are great, but I love "Red Hands", which is pure pop/rock euphoria, and includes superb melodies with an emotional chorus pleading, "Now my darling put your clothes back on". This to me is my favorite type of album, with experimentation that works and an ability to incorporate classic styles of music into an integrated whole with its own identity. It is inspired, daring, and breathtaking.

I've always enjoyed rock operas, but this is one of my favorites so far. I love the music and how it spans across many genres: Rock, Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Progressive, Experimental, and other little excerpts that will make you want to rewind mid-track. This will undoubtedly be one of my favorite albums of 2007. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys new and unique music.

After hearing the first four tracks of this album, one time through, I was already burning copies and heading out to all my friend's houses to share this awesome band. The songs are heartfelt and diverse, without a stinker in the bunch. While I may be able to say that there are songs I like better than others, all of them are solid tracks. The CD as a whole is a great work too; I especially like how they weave many motifs and melodic themes throughout the tracks so that while each stands alone, the album as a whole really comes together well.

Stand-out tracks: The Oracles on the Delphi Express, The Bitter Suite 1 & 2(especially the first half), Smiling Swine, Red Hands

I could say more, but then I wouldn't be telling you the stand-outs, I'd just be copy/pasting the track list.

Don't miss this great work of music!

Seriously, this may be one of the best things to happen in rock music for years and no one even pays any attention to these guys. They're too busy listening to their Panic! at the Disco songs. The Dear Hunter's writing is so great, and Casey's vocals are just great. He has a great voice and really knows how to use it. He brings in so many influences from so many styles. They even manage to fit a section into "The Lake and the River" that sounds like, for lack of a better term, slave music. Listen to this band right now because stuff this good is hard to come by.

What makes this album 5 stars? Imagine the catchiness of Panic at the Disco and Fall Out Boy but intricately weaved into an experimental mixing of genres. At times they verge on the sound of progressive bands such as Porcupine Tree and Dream Theater. Sometimes Casey (the singer/writer) incorporates ragtime, jazz, and blues. At other times they go full ahead rock but with melodies you have never heard before.
Then there's consistency. There is not a single flop track on this album. Even the half a minute intro track is special if you feel like relaxing (for a half a minute). They all offer something different to you and are ALL stand-out tracks. If I was to pick some favorites, though, I SUPPOSE they'd be:
The Procession, Where the Road Parts, Black Sandy Beaches, Dear Ms. Leading...nevermind, I give up, it's all of them.
If you want to get into indie/progressive music, but don't want to lose pop sensibility, this is IT.

74 min. album every second is brilliant! Very complex, very catchy, very progressive. Give it a couple of days for it grow on you, you won't be sorry.

I am in no way considered a music connoisseur, however I love every single song on this album. I don't even know what to compare it to. It's artsy, dark, intricate... It pulls you in, and you are literally immersed in the images that are created by the words and melody.

I had this playing repeatedly for about two weeks straight in my car, on my ipod at work, and even at home. I really, truly enjoy every minute of it. Easily one of the best albums I've purchased :)
It's just beautiful, melodic rock music and I can't get enough.

So basically, wow. I came upon this band by accident when I found out they were playing with my favorite band (Three). Bought the albums to try out, and these guys blew my mind. Casey is one hell of a writer. This is one of those rare albums where there isn't a single bad track, start to finish. If you're a prog fan, or an alternative fan, or a rock opera fan, or just a fan of great rock music in general...you owe it to yourself to give this one a shot.

Standout tracks - The Lake and the River, Smiling Swine, Dear Ms. Leading

I stumbled upon the receiving end of sirens about 2 1/2 years ago and was blown away. I saw them twice live and it was incredible. I was surprised to hear Casey was leaving the band to start The Dear Hunter and couldnt fathom that it could be anything better or more creative than what he did with TREOS. Act I was incredible in itself, but Act II is mindblowing. The album has so many different sounds and instruments. Anything this guy Casey does turns to gold it appears. If you havent heard of this band check them out.