Media Review

The Dear Hunter

Act II: The Meaning Of, And All Things Regarding Ms. Leading (CD)

No Label
website | mySpace | pureVolume

Overall Rating:

9.5

Music Quality: 9.5

Production: 8.0

Originality: 10.0

Casey Crescenzo, my friend, you are a genius.

This undisputable fact lies not only in the epic vision conjured in the 74-minute “Act II” album. Nor does it lie in the fact that Casey wrote and performed (nearly) all of the seconds on the album. So here it is: Despite the rather long reach and span of the album in length and in diversity, this sophomore effort remains at once memorable and enthralling—basically, it’s quite hypnotizing. After all, creating something that stretches across the maximum capabilities of an audio disc while maintaining a sense of fluidity and entertainment is quite a mountain to climb.

And while there are moments I find myself literally not enjoying the sounds coming across (see track 4; the absurd, confusing polka track) or track 6, a similar track in its sudden contrast—the tracks that do resonate do it fully and completely. For example, “The Church And The Dime,” an epic track filled with lengthy crescendos and dynamics is made complete with the memorable and compelling somberness throughout. Or, the 3-part, 2-track journey song(s), packed with moody, eloquent lyrics and dynamics (“Dear Ms. Leading…The Bitter Suite 3: Embrace”).

That’s what makes this album both quite appealing and appeasing—the dynamics. Carefully placed lyrics, softly spoken verses, and often soaring, entirely catchy chorusing combine to form songs that are as memorable as they are lengthy. And while there are several tracks that are somber and spacious, further exemplifying this call to dynamics and build ups, several of the songs blast off with loud walls of guitar riffs and energy (see “The Progression,” “Dear Ms. Leading”). It’s cliché, but I’ll say it anyways: there’s something for everyone here.

Captivating an audience with such a long, drawn-out album and vision is hard to do, but it seems that Casey and company have little difficulty doing so. Each song brings forth a catchy, sing-a-long chorus, and the vast texturing and wide array of instruments make all of the songs sound as inventive as they are clever.

It’s hard to pick out my favorite track on this album, but the vivid track “When The Road Parts,” with electrifyingly consistent piano and guitar leads, would probably do the trick. I think what’s most exciting about this album is that, with its length, it’s impossible to not be surprised at what you’re hearing.

The 74-minute epic “Act II” from The Dear Hunter is (almost) entirely consistent in its clever, entertaining appeal throughout. You have to be patient, but when you fully grasp this album in its entirety (it took me several weeks) you will be indubitably impressed and floored at the musicianship and creativity brought forth.

reviewed by Andrew Martin