The Dear Hunter
Migrant
3.5 stars
Progressive rock
Recently gracing our neck of the woods at the Cat’s Cradle last week, The Dear Hunter diversifies his sound on his recent release Migrant.
Originally working with the post-hardcore band The Receiving End of Sirens, singer Casey Crescenzo’s latest project takes an alternative spin. On Migrant, The Dear Hunter manages to ditch its emo suit in favor of something a bit more grown up.
Those loyal to The Dear Hunter’s earlier Acts scheme may be surprised of how Migrant develops. Instead of proposing an act IV, or adding another spectrum of color to its past nine color-themed EPs, listeners get an album that’s heavy on soft alternative yet still manages to rock out.
The band’s maturity is most apparent on the track “Whisper”, which is upbeat and full of life. Crescenzo discusses lessons learned belting, “I think that we’ve all made our gravest mistakes, on the greatest intentions that we’re too stubborn to let go.”
The best moments on the album include “Shame,” “Girl” and “The Kiss of Life”. The latter track, with its echoed layers and wide range of instruments, shows Crescenzo’s softer side. The gripping lyrics, “Give me more than the things that I’ve lived for, I’m only echoes of the man that I’m supposed to be,” is when he sounds smoothest.
But it’s hard to process where Crescenzo wanted to take his listeners. At times, Migrant is dark but other times playful. Occasionally, Crescenzo will break into a falsetto backed by a string ensemble, and the next moment he’s screaming through your headphones.
If dynamic, versatile tunes don’t intrigue you, the captivating lyrics will. Migrant is definitely a ride you want to be on.
To get the day's news and headlines in your inbox each morning, sign up for our email newsletters.
