Released: Jun 14, 2011
Genre: Progressive Rock, Experimental Rock, Indie Rock
Label: Triple Crown Records
Number Of Tracks: 36 (full release), 11 (standart)
Though typical Dear Hunter releases usually range in style, this album goes above and beyond tremendously. Though there are 2.5 hours of music, it is easy to sit down and listen to the album in it's entirety.
The Color Spectrum
Reviewed by:
guitarmaniac17, on june 17, 2011 3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Sound: The Dear Hunter, led by Casey Crescenzo, have decided to take a break from their 6 album concept (now known as the "Act" albums) to focus on something else: the color spectrum. With this release, the band has put out 9 EPs (black, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, white) whose music revolves around the emotions that the colors convey. For example, red is passionate, black is disorientating, yellow is cheerful, and so on. Each EP contains four songs, totaling up to a staggering 36 song release. Though this album is extremely extensive, there is no such "Filler", and every single song is flooded with emotion, creativity, and pure brilliance. All the EPs are genuine, and nothing comes off as cheesy or forced. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: There is a wide range of lyrics and styles present throughout this release. All cater towards specific emotions of the colors. "Black" is very angry, while "White" is very uplifting. Every lyric is well crafted and works brilliantly with the music. Casey Crescenzo has proven to have a very powerful voice that is well suited towards any genre or musical style. Since this release ranges from hard rock to poppy Beach Boys influenced music, the styles are endless, yet, Casey sings with confidence and ingenuity that should be praised. // 10
Impression: Though typical Dear Hunter releases usually range in style, this album goes above and beyond tremendously. Out of 36 songs, it is impossible to even narrow it down to 15 favorites, as more listens prove to change personal favorites. Though there are 2.5 hours of music, it is easy to sit down and listen to the album in it's entirety. This release will take a long time to get old, as there are so many songs for whatever the listener is feeling. As this album does not cater towards a certain brand of people, fans of brilliant, generous, and genuine music should all listen. // 10
The Color Spectrum
Reviewed by:
randomthoughts, on june 29, 2011 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: If color has a sound what type of music would be composed? The Dear Hunter's latest musical venture takes this concept to heart and has composed 9 individual EP's to deliver a convincing interpretation. Detached from the "Act" albums, which had been previously released, "The Color Spectrum" proves the bands' overall flexibility in composing while still retaining their signature style. The work overall begins and ends with the extreme colors of the spectrum (black to white).
"Black": The "Black" EP is definitely the most hardcore rock section with showing similarities to bands like Nine Inch Nails and TREOS. There's a heavy use of ambient electronics with powerful vocals and guitars to fill in the blanks. (Notable songs: "Filth And Squalor" & "This Body").
"Red": The "Red" EP is closely similar to The "Black" EP but seems a little more stripped down rock. I can almost make out reminiscence of Foo Fighters with strong guitar and vocals with the drums in the back keeping it on pace (Notable Songs: "A Curse Of Cynicism" & "Deny It All").
"Orange": The next EP keeps the guitar work in tact but switches to a more alternative rock aspect. A noticeable aspect of these 4 songs are the soloing work, which is probably the best of the entire album. I'm still not quite sure what to pinpoint the similarities of the sound but somewhat like Offspring... Maybe. Either way this section is undeniably alive (Notable songs: "Stuck On A Wire Out On A Fence" & "But There's Wolves?").
"Yellow": This is where we start to get to see the flexibility of the band from here on out. The "Yellow" EP has a sense of folk and pop all mixed together. It is definitely a refreshing point in the album away from the rock aspect. Not to mention that the songs are ridiculously catchy. They pretty much drag you in until your feet are stomping to the beat. (Notable Songs: "She's Always Singing" & "Misplaced Devotion").
"Green": The "Green" EP is the most folk/acoustic section of the album. There is a natural sense to the music here, which is obviously not a coincidence. The music is stripped down with some portions only being acoustic guitar and vocals. I'll admit I listened to this EP less than the others but in no way does that make it less of a section of brilliant work. It should not be seen as a low point in the album but rather exactly what it's intending to do. It's minimalist in songwriting, which in some instances is more powerful than over-mixed music.
"Blue": The "Blue" EP is definitely composed of work that you might want to listen to by a lake or beach. It's a very tranquil and soothing. I can't help but think of surf rock at times because it definitely is present here. It's just a laid back portion of the album that is great to hear before diving into the ambience of the next EP (Notable Songs: "Trapdoor" & "Tripping In Triplets").
"Indigo": "Indigo" brings a large sense of the ambient/experiment genre to the table. They use space as a large aspect to these songs. There's also the only instrumental to appear in the entire album. The songs "Progress" and "Therma" are also connected seamlessly to make up for half of the EP. I almost get reminded of something that Pink Floyd may have done with "Therma" considering the spacey/ambient style that's enforced (Notable songs: "Progress" & "What Time Taught Us").
"Violet": This EP is where The Dear Hunter come into their own. The songs very much resemble their work in the "Act" albums almost exactly in terms of writing style. If you enjoy anything the band has done in the past then this EP is for you (Notable songs: It's all good press play and enjoy).
"White": The "White" EP is similar to the "Blue" Album in terms of easy listening. It's a pleasing collection of songs that nicely wrap up the entire album by adding a sense of closure. Kind of like the ending of a feel-good movie or something. Definitely check out this EP in its' entirety as well (Notable songs: All of them). // 9
Lyrics and Singing: It's hard not to try to pinpoint some form of conceptual story being told here. Casey Crescenzo is known for his storytelling intertwined with his songwriting. If the Act albums try to convey a narrative about a character's life, then these albums may try to convey the concept of life in it's entirety. This is only my interpretation but there may be some truth behind.
It's clear that his lyrics are promoting the various feelings and emotions that we all share. From the dark and powerful feelings to cynicism to tranquility to ultimate enlightenment. The lyrics seem to convey the way that Casey sees the world around him is more so what I'm getting at. Overall his lyrics are skillfully crafted and thought provoking. A perfect ingredient to compliment a masterful display of songwriting. I've always been a fan of their lyrics in the past so this comes as no surprise that these lyrics are just as satisfying. // 8
Impression: It's a shame that Casey Crescenzo hasn't been noticed by more people because he deserves much more respect than given. "The Color Spectrum" truly is a project that has enough material to connect with a wide variety of music lovers. No songs seem out of place, which is quite impressive considering that there is 2+ hours of music here. Each EP has it's own unique sound but is connected together with strong musicianship and effective mastering. It's just a very easy piece of music to listen to and I really wouldn't recommend one EP over the other. I would also have to recommend against the short album version because there are so many gems of song in the 9 EPs none should be missed. // 9
So glad i read this review, i'm already stunned by every song i've heard! This casey dude just bumped himself to the top of my inspiration list (well 2nd to mikael akerfeldt, but still) Will be buying this shortly... and probably the act albums also
I bought the cd which only has a song or two from each color, so, I plan on getting the rest where I can. Casey Crescenzo can do no wrong. More people need to hear about the Dear Hunter.
I can guarantee that the kid who wrote this is a ginger!!! But he's a pretty cool kid, and the Dear Hunter is awesome. This is one of the greatest albums ever made.
They're on sale on iTunes and Amazon individually, as well as just separate EPs. Also, if you go to their website, you can buy them all on vinyl. I'd recommend getting them all though. You won't be disappointed.
I'll probably have to listen to this again, because I listened to it once through and thought most of it was filler/garbage. Loved Acts I-III, and I guess it's just a matter of time before I warm up to these songs. 10/10, if not close, for sure though.
I have no turntable, but I don`t want to miss any of the songs. I want a physical copy, but the cd only has a few songs from each. I respect Casey Crescenzo too much to download it. I am too picky. I`ll get it eventually.
This is by far my favorite band. I got the whole spectrum on the vinyl release (it comes with a digital download of all the songs, but I actually bought a turntable just to play these things. This is seriously awesome music that truly has something for everyone.
In my opinion, Casey Crescenzo is the new Danny Elfman and an absolute genius. I don't have a clue what the guy was talking about mentioning fillers. Every song is original and matches the theme of each record. Every record has a theme and every song has a fan club. This latest effort will only fuel the fire to create more magic with the next 3 Dear Hunter installments. It takes alot of money to survive in this world. I don't mind spending anything on great art like Colors.
Awesome review! You said it.
I was a fan of The Dear Hunter prior to their release of ColorS, and I was anxious to hear what this collection of EP's as a whole would sound like. I bought it on the first day it was available from iTunes and was absolutely blown away. There really is a color for everybody, haha.
Casey is a fantastic musician/singer/song-writer. And the fact that one band can manage 9 distinct sounds is incredible. The Dear Hunter deserves tenfold the attention they get. I'm really shocked they aren't more popular. However, I digress-- Spot-on review.
To everyone else:If you've got the money, buy the whole thing. It's fantastic
Buy it. Listen to it over and over. Buy it for a friend. Listen to The Dear Hunter in general. Look up live clips. You will want to buy it a third time
I'll probably have to listen to this again, because I listened to it once through and thought most of it was filler/garbage. Loved Acts I-III, and I guess it's just a matter of time before I warm up to these songs. 10/10, if not close, for sure though.
I definitely agree with you. I am honestly surprised that the reactions to this album have been almost completely positive. I loved the thematic and progressive feel of the first three albums, in which there wasn't a moment of boredom, but this album was so mediocre and just kinda typical in terms of the indy post rocky thing that it didn't measure up in the slightest. I keep telling myself it will grow on me but it hasn't.
And generally when bands drastically change their style between albums people tell disgruntled fans to grow up and love the band for what they are, but in this album I feel TDH has lost what made them enjoyable to begin with, which I was beginning to see to a much much smaller extent in Act III. I hope this is not a sign of what is to come in Act IV - if Crescenzo hasn't tired of the concept - but I fear it almost certainly is.
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(well 2nd to mikael akerfeldt, but still) Will be buying this shortly... and probably the act albums also
