The Dear Hunter - The Lake and the River
Song Name: The Lake and the River
Artist: The Dear Hunter
Album: Act II - The Meaning of, and All Things Regarding Ms. Leading
Why This Song?:
I first was introduced to The Dear Hunter when I saw their live show when opening for the Format in Hackensack, New Jersey. Instantly I was struck by their At The Drive In style eccentric antics. Vocally, Casey Crescenzo, belted out the songs as the rest of the group manically played their respective parts.
I instantly thought that this wasn’t going to be a band for everyone, especially for the crowd filled with teenage girls expecting the pop-goodness of the Format. Clearly, this is a band that will be devisive for many. Some will hate it, while others think it’s genius. Some call their albums masterpieces, while others consider it utter garbage. It’s just the nature of the experimentation beast.
After watching their set I was informed that this was the same guy that was in The Receiving End of Sirens. Not surprisingly they sound very similar. However, The Dear Hunter is a touch more experimental, original, and prog-rock / indie.
Listening to their first album was a very interesting experience. It is definitely an album that takes time to let grow on you. Most concept albums / bands - in this case, a band telling the story of the Dear Hunter’s birth, life, and death over the course of a number of albums - usually don’t have the most instantly catchy brand of tunes.
However, after a few listens I was intrigued to see what this obviously talented guy would come up with next. He basically constructed the first album by himself, with some help from his brother and his mother of all things.
With the release of Act II, I feel they have maintained a nice mixture of experimentation, originality, and interesting storytelling that made them an unique and engaging band to begin with.
This song to me is really what this band is all about. Nice changes of pace, a variety of instruments and styles, and an almost chain-gang / western vibe. Oh yeah, and a whopping 9 and a half minute run time. However, with so much going on it hardly seems nearly that long.
The album, like this song, is chock full of material. Reportedly originally recorded was over 2 hours of music that got trimmed down to a measly 70 minute plus album run time.
Forget that their name is sorta cheesy. Take your time. Let it sink in. It might not be your thing, but then again, it just might.
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Listening now as I write this. I’m definitely hearing that At the Drive-In and even a bit of My Chemical Romance: a little experimental/prog/screamo. Digging it, good review.
Sameer Barkawi on December 31st, 2007 11:59 am