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THE DEAR HUNTER

Crossover Prog • United States


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The Dear Hunter picture
The Dear Hunter biography
Formed in 2005 in Providence, Rhode Island, USA

THE DEAR HUNTER was originally a side project by guitarist and vocalist Casey CRESCENZO of post-hardcore band THE RECEIVING END OF SIRENS. On leaving that band, CRESCENZO worked on THE DEAR HUNTER fulltime, producing 'Act 1: The Lake South, The River North' as the first part of a six-album concept concerning the life of a boy at the turn of the 20th Century. After its release CRESCENZO recruited Luke DENT (Keyboards), Erick SEMA (Guitar), Sam DENT (drums) and Josh RHEAULT (bass) to record the second part of the hexology 'Act 2: The Meaning of, and All Things Regarding Ms. Leading' and toured extensively to promote its release. During this time RHEAULT and the DENT brothers left the band, leaving only CRESCENZO and SEMA.

Having recently announced that they are also working on a nine album concept based upon the seven colours of the rainbow and the two tones, black and white, indicates that THE DEAR HUNTER are not light on ambition, the next step is to see if they can deliver against such bold claims.

Falling somewhere between THE MARS VOLTA and COHEED AND CAMBRIA, THE DEAR HUNTER may appeal to some fans of either band.

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THE DEAR HUNTER discography


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THE DEAR HUNTER top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

4.06 | 343 ratings
Act I: The Lake South, The River North
2006
4.06 | 324 ratings
Act II: The Meaning of, & All Things Regarding Ms. Leading
2007
4.06 | 336 ratings
Act III: Life and Death
2009
3.84 | 211 ratings
The Color Spectrum
2011
3.76 | 140 ratings
Migrant
2013
4.10 | 374 ratings
Act IV: Rebirth in Reprise
2015
4.12 | 309 ratings
Act V: Hymns with the Devil in Confessional
2016
3.54 | 46 ratings
Casey Crescenzo & Brian Adam McCune - The Fox & The Hunt
2020
3.76 | 61 ratings
Antimai
2022
3.69 | 13 ratings
Migrant Returned
2023

THE DEAR HUNTER Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.81 | 21 ratings
Live
2015
5.00 | 2 ratings
Act I: The Lake South, The River North (Live from Seattle, WA)
2023

THE DEAR HUNTER Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

4.38 | 13 ratings
The Color Spectrum Live
2013

THE DEAR HUNTER Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

4.45 | 29 ratings
Act I: The Lake South, the River North & Act II: The Meaning Of, and All Things Regarding Ms. Leading
2010
4.14 | 109 ratings
The Color Spectrum: Complete Collection
2011
4.46 | 13 ratings
Act I, II & III
2017

THE DEAR HUNTER Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

3.62 | 17 ratings
The Branches EP
2010
4.05 | 36 ratings
Black EP
2011
3.32 | 32 ratings
Red EP
2011
3.22 | 32 ratings
Orange EP
2011
3.74 | 30 ratings
Yellow EP
2011
3.51 | 29 ratings
Green EP
2011
3.29 | 27 ratings
Blue EP
2011
2.77 | 28 ratings
Indigo EP
2011
4.37 | 29 ratings
Violet EP
2011
3.65 | 26 ratings
White EP
2011
3.50 | 2 ratings
The Migrations Annex
2013
4.04 | 37 ratings
All Is as All Should Be
2017
3.59 | 22 ratings
The Indigo Child: Prologue: Cycle 8
2021

THE DEAR HUNTER Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 Antimai by DEAR HUNTER, THE album cover Studio Album, 2022
3.76 | 61 ratings

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Antimai
The Dear Hunter Crossover Prog

Review by BBKron

4 stars The Dear Hunter started out as a solo project of songwriter-multi-instrumentalist-vocalist Casey Crescenzo, releasing their first album, Act 1: The Lake South, River North, in 2006, which then grew into a full progressive rock band in subsequent albums, chronicling a continuing story in the Act Series of albums (so far, 5 albums over a ten year period). There have also been other musical projects and EPs in between those albums. Their latest album, Antimai, is separate from those previous works, and I was pleasantly surprised at how fun this new album is. It is predominantly lively, upbeat, and quite accessible. They incorporate much soul, R&B, latin, pop, jazz, and rock into the mix, with liberal use of funky horns and tuned percussion, yet the result is still undeniably prog rock. This is a concept album that chronicles a world where society is set-up in concentric rings, with the outer rings occupied by the poor and industrial sectors moving inward to the more luxurious and powerful inner rings. The album consists of 8 tracks, each corresponding to one of the rings and highlighting features of that sector. But you don't need to know or care about the concept or story to enjoy the album, as it is quite wonderful from start to finish. One of the best and longer tracks, Ring 5 - Middle Class, features multiple sections, starting with a catchy pop opening, a slower middle section, then a jazz-funk Steely Dan-esque closing section. Ring 4 - Patrol, is somewhat reminiscent of the Alan Parsons Project with its a funky beat and cool pop style. Ring 3 - Luxury starts off with some clever Hamilton-style rap vocals before leading into subsequent sections. Casey Crescenzo's vocals are very enjoyable, and quite versatile, working well in a variety of styles and moods. The album flows well and all the tracks are very well done, featuring a variety of vibrant styles, dynamics, and instrumentation, in addition to very fine vocals. One minor complaint is that it ends a bit weakly, as I was expecting a buildup to a big finish, but the album ends rather meekly and abruptly, without any real conclusion. Overall, this is a wonderful, very enjoyable album, one of the best of 2022. Best tracks: Ring 8 - Poverty, Ring 5 - Middle Class, Ring 4 - Patrol, Ring 3 - Luxury. Weak tracks:none. 4.5
 Antimai by DEAR HUNTER, THE album cover Studio Album, 2022
3.76 | 61 ratings

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Antimai
The Dear Hunter Crossover Prog

Review by alainPP

4 stars THE DEAR HUNTER is the project of guitarist Casey of the post-hardcore group The Receiving End Of Sirens which he left to devote himself to it in 2005; stories about a boy's life at the turn of the 20th century, here 9th concept album about the life of the last metropolis at odds with the original values; XTC, THE MARS VOLTA, THE TRAIL OF DEAD or GENESIS come to mind but you have to listen and see before the EP 'The Indigo Child' to fully understand the melodic framework sought.

'Ring 8 - Poverty' on a bucolic air, sampled string instruments, I immediately think of the fruity chords of XTC and Joe JACKSON; sax and trumpets set the pace; we are in the enchanting pop prog new wave, a pleasant hint of TRAIN OF DEAD, convoluted and creative. 'Ring 7 - Industry' strong bass, the groovy, funky rhythm on an EARTH, WIND & FIRE overboosted with brass; Airy and symphonic break, grandiloquent before an energetic dancing bass solo. 'Ring 6 - LoTown' with a dreamlike, aerial start leading Casey to use his voice in a languorous way; it goes up, it goes on an astonishing fruity prog pop atmosphere, a mixture of MARS VOLTA and XTC again; break of the spleen intro with jerky drums and solo trumpet, explosive. 'Ring 5 - Middle Class' drives the point home with a title that will scare fans away; 3 minutes and it slows down and the prog spirit is highlighted with sampled wind instruments that create the energy; attention for fans of classic rock instrumentation, you will be surprised.

'Ring 4 - Patrol' brings me back to 'Cherchez Le Garçon' yes it's easy but it's to explain the playful rhythm; 80's keyboard that allows Casey to express all his vocal talent; cinematic drift before the resumption of the chorus, the aggressive and forward trumpet, final of BOF. 'Ring 3 - Luxury' longest title tote everything, present magister voice and frantic pop rhythm; the halfway break reminds me of DEVO's synth on the BOF 'Métal Hurlant'; diversity approaches bombastic baroque opera; first break with a claret guitar solo until the end flirting with the madness of a Zappa. 'Ring 2 ? Nature' with an oozing XTC sound for an unpretentious and fruity bucolic pop song; sax break on the 'Blues Brothers'. 'Ring 1 - Tower' jazzy, groovy, funky romantic ballad, giving pride of place to wind instruments that we would like to be true; the pleasant voice reminds me of Joe PAYNE's excellent album between baroque symphony and crazy operetta pop; final at the Alpenhorn.

THE DEAR HUNTER drives the nail of the progressive musical crucible by mixing instrumentation and voice, jazzy, funky and tonic atmospheres; a singular, creative sound arrangement that kicks ass at convention; often formatted in the neo prog style, I just had a blast listening to this OMNI jewel. Available in vinyl, K7 and other normal media for that convoluted sound, a band and a sound apart.

 Antimai by DEAR HUNTER, THE album cover Studio Album, 2022
3.76 | 61 ratings

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Antimai
The Dear Hunter Crossover Prog

Review by Heart of the Matter

3 stars Apparently this album has been cooking slowly since 2019 (remember pre-pandemic era?), so, what we have here is the mature product of a band who really took their time to round it.

The bright side of this music lies in a set of neat pop melodies delivered with great sensibility by a vocalist graced with a wide range and a very likable tonal color. The not-so-bright side comes to evidence when the minutes pass and the arrangements keep showing no notable variation or inventiveness: they are primarily based on minimalistic displacement of the rhythmic accent and frequently (more than desirable) underlined by a seemingly synthetized brass section.

As a personal favorite, I can mention track 4, Ring 5 - Middle Class. It's a delicious melody I suppose one could have found sounding in any mid-class kitchen during the mid-seventies. Think something like "Bachara meets XTC's psychedelia". Nevertheless, don't expect any highly skilful solo (guitar or whatever), nor a classic drums sound, because the dishes are nowhere to be found.

All in all, it's a good album crafted for not exceedingly high prog expectatives. This record can seat comfortably in your pop shelf (in case you have one), among the likes of XTC, Tears For Fears or Field Music.

 The Color Spectrum: Complete Collection by DEAR HUNTER, THE album cover Boxset/Compilation, 2011
4.14 | 109 ratings

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The Color Spectrum: Complete Collection
The Dear Hunter Crossover Prog

Review by Nhelv

5 stars A relentless display of The Dear Hunter's capability of changing their sound at will.

140 minutes of music, and 36 tracks: This is quite the compilation. There's a total of nine colors with their own recognizable sounds, each of them containing four tracks. There's all sorts of music in here and its definitely a phenomenal collection that's essential to any Dear Hunter fan. To those wondering what my opinion on every color is, here's the compressed review of each of them, you can find their full review in each respective color's review section.

Black is known for having a very industrial Nine-Inch-Nails type of sound combined with Dream Theater. There's strong use of electronic keyboard sounds used as percussion, giving a dark and eerie feeling to the whole EP.

Rating: ****

Red's sound is very alternative rock-themed, constantly taking inspiration from band like Muse, but with less bass and more raw drums. Every song is quick, short, and concise.

Rating: ****

Orange has hints of the raw alternative rock visited in Red, while combining it with many elements from blues such as acoustic guitar riffs and vocals in a free-style sort of usage. Theatrical vocals can be found here and there as well.

Rating: ***

Yellow has a very defined sound, with every track being very up-beat and cheery. Songs are very alternative rock-influenced, but instead of cheesy depressive vibes, it spreads positive messages and an accessible sound.

Rating: ***

Green has a strong acoustic and very often nostalgic feel to it. There's strong use of Country elements such as completely raw and un-processed instrumentation. Due to all the songs inside it being ballads, it works as a good break from the previous Colors.

Rating: ****

Blue has no prog aspects, no alternative rock aspects, no country aspects, it's just chill acoustic ballad-oriented music with a very spacey vibe. Just like Green, this album consists entirely of ballads.

Rating: ***

Indigo takes spacey-ness to a whole new level. Every track feels vast, open and distant. There's very strong use of electronic noises utilized as droning that can be heard in Post-Rock, and songs don't even bother on technique or showing off, but rather on leaving the listener on a suspended state.

Rating: **

Violet is completely theatrical, think of songs like Revival from Act V. Songs are either bombastic and energetic or soulful and beautiful.

Rating: *****

White combines the atmosphere of Indigo with their classic progressive metal. It works very well and has a constant sense of majesty and pompousness. Songs have atmospheric sections in them too. Take it as a sort of combination between Post-Rock and Progressive Metal.

Rating: ****

Definitely an essential release for progressive rock fans, this album contains tons of great music, and while there's some tracks here and there that aren't that incredible, it definitely maintains a good quality all the way through. This record proves The Dear Hunter as a versatile band capable of doing wonders. Five Stars, an essential compilation.

 White EP by DEAR HUNTER, THE album cover Singles/EPs/Fan Club/Promo, 2011
3.65 | 26 ratings

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White EP
The Dear Hunter Crossover Prog

Review by Nhelv

4 stars The last color closes the color spectrum very well.

A solid final color, this EP comes right after the monstrous Violet. It works as a more chill EP that contains ballads and more heavy tracks.

White combines the atmosphere of Indigo with their classic progressive metal. It works very well and has a constant sense of majesty and pompousness. Songs have atmospheric sections in them too. Take it as a sort of combination between Post-Rock and Progressive Metal.

I can't personally finds any standouts here, but one thing is true and it's that all tracks are good. A solid closing EP, not one of my favorites but it's for sure good. Four Stars.

 Violet EP by DEAR HUNTER, THE album cover Singles/EPs/Fan Club/Promo, 2011
4.37 | 29 ratings

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Violet EP
The Dear Hunter Crossover Prog

Review by Nhelv

5 stars Holy f*cking sh*t.

To put into perspective the gap of quality between this EP and the rest: I would rather have this EP and losing the other eight instead keeping the other eight and losing this one.

After the two rather average EPs preceding this one, I was personally starting to get a little disappointed in the whole "The Color Spectrum" experience, I was getting bored. Then Mr. Malum started playing, and my entire body got straightened while my attention was regained instantly.

Violet is completely theatrical, think of songs like Revival from Act V. Songs are either bombastic and energetic or soulful and beautiful.

The EP begins with a classic, Mr. Malum. One of their best and most inspired songs to date. Everything about this track is memorable, especially the chorus. Lillian is a very beautiful ballads that maintains the theatrical vibe of the record. Too Late is similar to Lilliam but its chorus is even better, easily one of their best in their discography.Look Away features strong use of saxophone and works very well as an EP closer.

Five Stars absolutely, some of their best songs to date.

 Indigo EP by DEAR HUNTER, THE album cover Singles/EPs/Fan Club/Promo, 2011
2.77 | 28 ratings

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Indigo EP
The Dear Hunter Crossover Prog

Review by Nhelv

2 stars The worst of the EPs.

I simply don't like this at all. There's something I must give Casey credit for, and it's how well defined this Color's sound is: It's the most distinguishable of all the colors, but unique doesn't always mean good.

Indigo takes spacey-ness to a whole new level. Every track feels vast, open and distant. There's very strong use of electronic noises utilized as droning that can be heard in Post-Rock, and songs don't even bother on technique or showing off, but rather on leaving the listener on a suspended state.

I personally don't like this one at all, but I'm still pretty sure fans of atmosphere and electronic ambient will like it. Two Stars, for fans only.

 Blue EP by DEAR HUNTER, THE album cover Singles/EPs/Fan Club/Promo, 2011
3.29 | 27 ratings

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Blue EP
The Dear Hunter Crossover Prog

Review by Nhelv

3 stars SpongeBob background music.

Terrible way to describe this EP, I know, but that's the best way I can define this Color's sound in a few words. As if Green wasn't chill enough, Blue takes it on a whole another level, practically nothing happens in this entire EP.

Blue has no prog aspects, no alternative rock aspects, no country aspects, it's just chill acoustic ballad-oriented music with a very spacey vibe. Just like Green, this album consists entirely of ballads.

There's no standouts in this album, all songs are ok and enjoyable due to their simple nature, but not remarkably phenomenal. Three Stars, good but not essential.

 Green EP by DEAR HUNTER, THE album cover Singles/EPs/Fan Club/Promo, 2011
3.51 | 29 ratings

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Green EP
The Dear Hunter Crossover Prog

Review by Nhelv

4 stars The color of nature represented through American country music. Yee-haw!

This is the first of the EPs that isn't alternative-rock influenced at all. Casey decided (understandably) that for a color as fragile as Green, the music couldn't be aggressive like Red or fast-paced and cheery like Yellow.

Green has a strong acoustic and very often nostalgic feel to it. There's strong use of Country elements such as completely raw and un-processed instrumentation. Due to all the songs inside it being ballads, it works as a good break from the previous Colors.

The stand-out for me, while maybe not the most quintessential, is Inheritance. Honestly? One of the most beautiful ballads in their discography. The harmonica really adds up alot to the country vibe and the song has very relaxing instrumentation. I personally think this is 3.5 Stars, but I'm rounding it up to 4.

 Yellow EP by DEAR HUNTER, THE album cover Singles/EPs/Fan Club/Promo, 2011
3.74 | 30 ratings

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Yellow EP
The Dear Hunter Crossover Prog

Review by Nhelv

3 stars The happiest of the EPs.

Yellow is a vibrant and noticable color. In multiple cultures and esoteric practices, it resembles happiness and positivity. So as expected, this EP takes on a very kind and easy to digest sound through alternative rock.

Yellow has a very defined sound, with every track being very up-beat and cheery. Songs are very alternative rock-influenced, but instead of cheesy depressive vibes, it spreads positive messages and an accessible sound.

I can't personally find a proper stand-out here but She's Always Singing comes close, being the quintessential track of the album and a perfect representation of what the EP is all about. Three Stars, a solid release.

Thanks to Dean Cracknell for the artist addition. and to Quinino for the last updates

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