The Dear Hunter - Act III: Life and Death

The Dear Hunter story so far....a Boy is born to a woman who moves away from the city life to the lake and the river, is brought up and forms a close bond with her. The mother dies and the boy goes back to the city to discover his mother's previous life, in doing so falls in love with a prostitute who breaks his heart causing him to flee and join the army...and so begins Act III of the six part tale of The Dear Hunter. Mr Crescenzo the man behind the musings claims that the story is a romanticized version of his own life, so it is deeply personal which translates to the music he writes and the lyrics he pens and while some (very few) label his ambitions as pretentious, his humble persona (i've met him in person) would suggest otherwise.

Act III is astonishing to say the least, set amidst World War One the main character (known only as the Boy) fights not only the battles of war but battles within himself as he comes ot terms with Ms. Leading. The concept is drenched in drama and set in a world like no other, as is the music. Fans of genre bending will love this but it does not verge on the pretentious metre one bit, as the music adequetly reflects the era of which the story is set. Cresecenzo writes chronologically well with the delicate and refined 20's feel of sweeping strings permeating a good portion of tunes on this record - not overbearing but enough to set the scene of the moment - and god is it done well. Saved beckons with sweeping string arrangements and wonderous vocal harmonies while Mustard Gas turns the epic meter to 11 with a full blown orchestration, gang vocals, and guitar driven frenzy.

While Casey and Co set the scene perfectly well they also accomodate for the darker things of war, the four part series of tracks early in the album represent the evils of battle - The Tank signifies destruction in an aural assault of ominous strings, powerful vocal delivery and frenetic drumming; The Poison Woman offers a ragtime affair of bluesy jostling while closing with probably one of the most memorable moments of the record (there are many btw) involving a sax singalong climax; The Thief conveys greed with its rolling almost Radiohead-esque bassline sprawl as it bends it's way into the aforementioned Mustard Gas.

Not unfamiliar with balladry the band shwocases it's softer side throughout this aggresive album in Saved incorporating sweeping string arrangements, pulsing rhythmic drums and layered harmonious vocals, and in What It Means To Be Alone we are treated to a pop masterpiece chopping and changing all throughout. The Dear Hunter command attention in He Said He Had A Story rollicking around behind a marching band of horns that just ooze sexiness in the breakdown.

I'd go on and on about every solid song on this record but i'd be writing forever, i will highlight the albums final three tracks which incorporate everything from dramatic ballroom romanticism to ultimate guiatr heroics from the one and only Erick Serna, and i'll leave the review at that, as you really have to let the album do the talking for itself...

Buy the album via links in their myspace - here

Silversun Pickups - Swoon

Whats that song...Lazy Eye? Yeah that's it, so spun that a few times with my gf, yeah it's pretty chilled reminds me of Smashing Pumpkins and a bit of young Claudio Sanchez belting out some vocals. This band is Silversun Pickups. Welcome the their world of crunching guitars, thick basslines and childish yet maturely dark lyricism.

I chose to give Swoon a real goer, moreso than their first LP Canavaras. It is certainly dark and disturbing, when you actually listen to it...

Princeton Dictionary defines swoon as to Faint or pass out from weakness - the guitars on this album feel very constricted and repetitive and for htis reason i feel like im gonna pass out halfway through. This band created a certain syndrome called Silversun Pickup Syndrome (SPS) where their songs run 2 minutes to long. Sometimes its a great thing, coz they kick each song from level 8 to 15 on th epower charts - but it does become tiring.

That being said, i should give credit where credit is due in that the string sections bring this album a virtuous texture and added sheen to a very depressing affair. The only happy track is the first one and its all downhill from there - 'how many times do you wanna die? how many ways do you wanna die?" geez man i got issues as it is!

But there are plenty of catchy hooks, denouments and all out rocking on this record which warrants its place on this blog. Please enjoy.

The Dear Hunter - Act III: Life and Death

April 23, 2009
THE LATEST CHAPTER IN THEIR EPIC ROCK OPERA; ´ACT III: LIFE AND DEATH´ DUE OUT JUNE 23 ON TRIPLE CROWN RECORDS; TOUR WITH MEWITHOUTYOU STARTS JUNE 8.

THE DEAR HUNTER will be releasing the third chapter of their rock opera on June 23 via Triple Crown Records. ACT III: LIFE AND DEATH chronicles the latest endeavors of "the boy," now a man, looking (and finding) love, loss and reinvention.

To celebrate the album´s release, THE DEAR HUNTER will hit the road as direct support for Mewithoutyou starting June 8 in Richmond, VA and concluding July 11 in Boston, MA.

ACT III: LIFE AND DEATH was produced by singer/pianist/guitarist/lyricist/multi-instrumentalist Casey Crescenzo and guitarist Andy Wildrick. It was recorded at the band's studio in Providence, Rhode Island, and features a number of guest musicians playing everything from strings and horns to harps and woodwinds. The music for this epic project is once again a joint venture between all the band members—Casey Crescenzo, Andy Wildrick, Erick Serna (guitars), Nick Crescenzo (drums) and Nate Patterson (bass).

One of THE DEAR HUNTER´s biggest fans, Anthony Green of Circa Survive, is one of the first people to hear the finished version of ACT III and is eager to share his thoughts about it with fellow musicians and fans alike:

"When I first heard ACT III (which was only very recently, so it´s still new to me), I had the feeling of being proud of my friend, being proud to hear him outdoing himself once again. It came to me in a time when I was in a ring of self-doubt, and it was incredibly inspiring. One moment you´re drunk at a dangerous gypsy wedding (´Saved´), the next you´re hearing some Freddie Mercury and Janis Joplin lovechild, making you rock and bob your head incessantly, singing ´ohh on the other side´ or ´we have to learn to live a lie or we´re waiting here to die´--so breathtaking--you might be saying, ´oh well he´s just that dude´s buddy and would like anything he did,´ but to that I say, ´f**k you.´ He's threatened to kill me on more than one occasion and if this s**t wasn't important I wouldn't listen to it or feel such an urgent need to pass it along and share. The album makes me want to be a better musician, it also makes me grateful to live in this amazing time in musical history where an artist like Casey should be nurtured like a baby seal that could save all our lives one day with its flippers or nosey."

"Every band wants to say that they are evolving," says Casey Crescenzo about ACT III: LIFE AND DEATH, "and that with each new record they are tapping into a new era for the band--usually spouting off a phrase akin to ´This record is so much more melodic--the heavy parts are heavier, and the soft parts are more serene.´ A record speaks for itself and the only job of the artist is to create and not promote. Having said that, we make no attempts to declare the magnitude of the record from the point of view of the audience. The only thing we can proclaim is how rewarding the creation of the record has been and just how profound the effect of that creativity has been on our lives. As we approach the point of detachment, we hope that this work can translate to the listener."

He continues, "The themes for the record fall slightly darker than previous work. Set in a WWI era, ACT III sets its own course with no direct historical ties, only a loyalty to the emotions of the human spirit, documenting the metamorphoses of a fictional central character as he makes the transition from innocence to impurity. With a great deal of care given to marrying all aspects of an album, ACT III follows these themes within the context of lyrics, music, and tonality."



ACT III is the follow-up to 2007´s ACT II: THE MEANING OF, & ALL THINGS REGARDING MS. LEADING, which was described by Alternative Press as an album that "...goes from haunting and otherworldly (´The Oracles On The Delphi Express´) to utterly fantastic—´The Bitter Suite 1 And 2: Meeting Ms. Leading´ is a chamber indie-pop masterpiece, complete with an instantly memorable piano line and a chorus as big as the song title."

Outburn magazine took it a step further: "ACT I: THE LAKE SOUTH, THE RIVER NORTH was a precursor to what Casey Crescenzo could create via his vice, The Dear Hunter. A genre shattering concept album, ACT I set the precedence of what was to come with his follow-up ACT II: THE MEANING OF, AND ALL THINGS REGARDING MS. LEADING. While ACT I contained chapel-like verses, hard rock guitars, and non-vocal selections, ACT II pushes those parameters on a gargantuan scale with a score apt on a Broadway level…Dare not call ACT II a concept album, but rather, abstract musical poetry. 9 out of 10"

"Leaving pride out of the equation," declares Casey, "we strongly suggest you set aside an hour of your day, remove yourself from the woes of reality and enjoy ACT III: LIFE AND DEATH."

www.myspace.com/thedearhunter

www.thedearhunter.com

Tracklist:

1. Writing on a Wall
2. In Cauda Venenum
3. What it Means to be Alone
4. The Tank
5. The Poison Woman
6. The Thief
7. Mustard Gas
8. Saved
9. He Said He Had A Story
10. This Beautiful Life
11. Go Get Your Gun
12. Son
13. Father
14. Life and Death

Source: Absolutepunk.net

His Hideous Heart - Only The Earth Can Make A Tree

Opener Only the Earth Can Make A Tree floats along quite serenely, comparatively to a child's lullaby and invites the listener into the delicate world of His Hideous Heart. This record tends to meander through indie pop stylings to dreamy soundscapes all with pertinent ease. It makes the experience pleasurable.

The strong song writing continues with Dancing in the Wind with some ear catching basslines and fast paced drumming. Something happens next - you're transfered to the next song This is Fullerton - a fun, galloping tune that begs for your legs to bounce up and down - and why not? The lead guitar is brought to the forefront to drive the song till subtle strings can be heard adding texture to the simple yet deceivingly complex song.

Ok so what i like about this album is they have succesffuly channeled the season of Spring to me. Weird i know, but all i hear in music these days is summer and winter. ffs where is my spring?? Well here it is - take a listen and see everything bloom.

Bars of Gold - First Live Show (bootleg)

So i haven't even listened to this yet but ima post it for ya'll anyway. For those of you who are familiar - the man who looks like he is possessed in the photo above is Marc Paffi (formerly of the illustrious band Bear Vs Shark). Yes, this is the new band that has risen form the ashes of the much beloved aforementioned...so check this bootleg out, it's their first show and i am expecting good things...

Tracklist:
01. Intro 1
02. Born a Cannibal
03. Intro 2
04. Up Up Up
05. Intro 3
06. Doctors and Lawyers
07. Intro 4
08. Cars Asleep
09. Intro 5
10. Birds

Minus the Bear - Planet of Ice

My love affair with Minus the Bear started when i picked up their Menos el Oso album 3 years ago. I brought it home and listened to it while a friend dyed my hair - i was going through a phase with my music - an exciting one which would lead me to greater things. The same could not be said for my hair that night...

Planet of Ice feels like an icy album - an album that you put on when the rain is hitting hard against the windscreen of your car. I also get this sense of sexual passion, i know weird right? But it is like Minus the Bear have sexually matured - ageing from adolescence to men - and it shows in the lyrics of songs like White Mystery and Patiently waiting (if you have the aussie release).

Lotus is a huge trip of prog greatness while the images of drinking warm sake on a cold Japanese night could not be pulled off any better in the alluring song Part 2.

RX Bandits - ...And the Battle begun

So after a bit of a musical lull of sorts i have made a concious decision tof inally check these guys out. And damnit im glad i did - there's something irresistable for me about reggae/ska stuff, but i'd never listen to a whole album of the stuff. Enter RX Bandits - a what most people now would call a progressive rock band with elements of reggae and ska music - true to their early form.

It is an extremely impressive amalgamation of ska/reggae and progressive experimental rock ala The Sound of Animals Fighting - you can really hear in these songs how Matt Embree influenced that band. It is this ecclectic nature of the music that keeps you coming back. From the finger clicking tangent that 1980 takes you on to the hard hitting rock of To Our Unborn Daughters it is an absolute trip. And i cannot get past the awesome slower songs on this record - showcased by apparition and only for the night - technical and catchy and it's great.

Karate - 595

For those unfamiliar with Karate (it should be obvious that im talking about the band and not the martial art). Jokes aside, Karate led by Farina is what some may regard as an influential band on rock movements to come, but what i regard as a fresh sounding, sonically challenging trio that combined their extensive musical knowledge with rock sensibilites to win hearts accross the globe.

This, their final release before disbanding is their 595th live show recorded in Italy i believe. It showcases the bands jazz/rock genre at it's rawest with prolonged jam sessions and expanded solos that differ considerably from their studios offerings. You will find everything here, the spaced out, soulful and spine tingling guitar playing, delicate and erratic drumming and smooth soothing basslines all combined with the touch of Farina's distinct voice.

Something for a warm summers night drive definately.

メリー - Modern Garde

Part One
Part Two

Merry's first real effort into the musical world is permeated with punk/pop sensibility's while adding flare with jazzy rhythms and intriguing vocal styles to rope the listener in for a whole 40 something minutes. I bought this record in Japan and have enjoyed it ever since.

Merry teater on the edge of emotional boundaries and artistic creativity which in essence makes this album the perfect record to feel guilty for listening to it, but at the same time to not care about what you're listneing to and just enjoy it. The drumming is fast and hectic while the lead guitar jangles in and around the vocalists unique singing style, while nifty basswork holds the whole thing tightly together.

Moros Eros - I Saw The Devil Last Night And Now The Sun Shines Bright

Moros Eros exploded into my world mid last year and have spent the majority of my time rocking my ears for the most part of 2008. I picked this record up purely because of the sticker on the cover art citing Mars Volta, Modest Mouse and some other band as influences. Do they sound like these bands? No. Are they any good? Yes they are.

Moros Eros have this awesome energy driven by the rhythm section of the band. Much like The Kinison or Bear Vs Shark - this rhythm section never fails to hit the spot and hold everything tightly together. Pair these dynamics up with quite an energetic and interesting vocalist and punchy guitar riffs from all sorts of angles and you get the lovable, danceable and sing at the top of your lungs music that this album shines with. Perfect for driving or rocking in your room - i havn't found a reason to not listen to these guys yet.

The drumming on When I Wake is superb and lfows from speaker to speaker with clarity and depth while the catchy chorus of Satan Has A Heart of Gold could go on forever in your head. If i were to be picky, the album would be a little to short at just under 40 mintues, but maybe that's why the thing is so darn good from start to finish....

Emilie Simon - The Flower Book

Emilie Simon's voice is that really sexy French kind....you know the one...it's soft, it's delicate, breathy and rediculously seductive. All that aside, her musical skills are masterful. She is a master of French electro-pop mixed in with often heavy bass beats and orchestral tinges. There is no doubt she is a beauty and when she sings,

"Come on, now im ready to close my eyes, and now im ready to close my mind, and now im ready to feel your hand, and lose my heart on the burning sand"

That you can't resist her sensuality. The title of that song is 'I wanna be oyur dog" by the way. I love her music and the way she constructs her songs - they are so well built around the drums accentuated with electronic and orchestral movements which compliment her overall sound wonderfully. She has done soundtracks for movies and delved into the pop world and you can only imagine where she can go in her career.

Review - Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds at Thebarton Theatre 14/01/09

So it was my first time witnessing Australian legend Nick Cave perform with his famous Bad Seeds and it is safe to say that it was definately a night to remember. For a band who im guessing range anywhere between 40 and 60 years old the energy was intense as they belted through countless classic Seeds tunes such as the rollicking Deanna and the thunderous Tupelo.

One thing i was particularly astounded by was Cave's ability to make pretty much every girl/lady/granny in the audience go absolutely fucking wild and froth at the mouth. I'll cut to the chase, the man is an ugly son-of-a-bitch, but his charisma and charm while delivering ballads along the lines of The Ship Song and Straight To You was absolutely spot on. Cave would get on his knees infront of adoring women and hold their hands, letting them kiss whatever they could get their lips on - it must be the mullet he is sporting.

Sonically the seeds where amazing - utilizing two drummers to create chaos and intricacy at various points during the show. The most capturing Seed though was for me Warren Ellis playing the guitar, violin and anything he could get his paws on - just beautiful. The set hit points of frenzy when songs like Get Ready For Love where unleashed with the utmost power and hit more subtle notes with the beauty of songs such as The Weeping Song and Hold On To Yourself.


To my suprise it was the new material that was truly amazing to witness. If The Mercy Seat wasn't enough to wet your whistle the material from the latest Seeds LP was scintilating. Midnight Man rocked the crowd while Moonland and More News From Nowhere where perfect compliments to the setlist. Cave's voice was tremendous all night and was absolutely thrashed in the shows closer Stagger Lee - a brutal and cacophonic sonic attack which left the crowd wanting more and more. Amazing.

1000 Visitors - The Offspring - Ignition

So with this, my self-indulging commemorative 1000th visit post. Wow that was a mouthfull. I will bring you an album that while may be considered by many to be insignificant or uncool - is considered by me to have shaped my love affair with music itself. No, Ignition by The Offspring did not push boundaries, and no it didn't make dents in the music world - but it has quite a place in my heart.

There is this unbridled energy to this record that makes me keep going back to it's punk riffs, pounding drums, driving bass and Dexter's unmistakable vocals. The album kicks off with 'Session' - an energetic a straight forward rock against the shitty girlfriend tune - great for those fight nights! From then on 1992's Ignition takes you on a journey through some very awesome tunes including Kick Him When He's Down and the undoubtedly favoured Offspring fan song - Dirty Magic.

Often overlooked because of their next release 'Smash' - which im sure you know has sold the most copies ever on an independant label - Ignition is where i believe Offspring really let themselves go and throw caution to the wind - unparalled punk energy full of vigour and determination - Rock On.

The Stiletto Formal - Fiesta Fiesta Fiesta Fiesta!

I like this album - mainlyu because it sounds a bit more fresh than most punk/hardcore/new wave whatever the fuck you wanna call it. The vocalist sounds scaringly similiar to Cedric Bixler Zavala of ATDI fame as well - and it makes for a very powerful and emotive voice. The band are great, with varying instruments from cello to guitars and it all mixes very well.

The opener is strong as hell and the singer's voice is the strong point - with the playing a daring roll in keeping the music powerful and unpredictable. Something good about htis band is the unpredictability of the tunes here. Give it a try and im sure you'll love it.