The Dear Hunter is a band no one underestimates, especially when it comes to their ability to make anything epic. Each of their releases to date has pushed the creative envelop further and their latest, an upcoming 9 EP collection known as The Color Spectrum, is no different. Editor James Shotwell was fortunate enough to hear 11 songs from the upcoming collection and wrote a quick track-by-track to give fans a taste of what to expect. If you haven’t don so already, click here to pre-order this assuredly great collection.

“Filth And Squalor” (Black):

A synth and percussion driven track, filled with funk infused swagger that works perfectly with Casey’s strong voice. This song sounds like the musical interpretation of a robot’s dreams. I know it sounds weird now, but once you hear it you’ll understand.

“Deny It All” (Red):

Carrying a strong, driving tempo that grabs you instantly, “Deny It All” will catch anyone’s attention. Half western, half California rock song, this one has the potential for radio exposure thanks to a memorable hook and great melody.

“But There’s Wolves” (Orange)

Packing thick 70’s fuzz and a undeniable influence from Southern rock legends, “But There’s Wolves?” was the first track I really fell in love with. It showcases a completely different, yet very fitting side of the band, complete with an extra shot of energy to make the ladies swoon. The bridge would be well suited as the soundtrack to a bar fight involving bikers and Jack Daniels. It’s dirty, it’s loud, it’s unfiltered rock and roll at its finest.

“She’s Always Singing” (Yellow)

This song instantly reminds you of a 50’s sock hop before becoming something you’d expect more from members of fun. then TDH. That said, it’s a completely refreshing, light-hearted folk-pop song that (once again) gives us a completely new way to view TDH. So far, it’s the Yellow EP that intrigues me most overall.

“Things That Hide Away” (Green)

Acoustic from the start, then met with piano and Casey’s welcoming tone, this traveling song questions the purpose of our existence and will win most over in no time. As opposed to much of TDH’s catalog, Crescenzo comes across as fragile vocalist on this track and the transition is flawless.

“The Canopy” (Green)

Continuing the lighthearted feel of “Things That Hide Away,” “The Canopy” has a strong country feel to it, complete with slide guitar and lots of harmony. Again, The Dear Hunter’s ability to transition to this genre is praise worthy.

“Trapdoor” (Blue)

Fittingly, “Trapdoor” has a slowed tempo and more somber mood than material on the other EPS. While it starts with hints of a slow, dancefloor-ready feel, the song eventually builds to something much more rewarding (though feel free to grab the closest lady and let Casey do the swooning).

“What Time Taught Us” (Indigo)

This song is the most atmospheric we’ve heard from TDH to date. Built mainly on synth and percussion, listeners will easily get lost in this one.

“Lillian” (Violet)

My first thoughts when “Lillian” began was the similarity to songs from Act 2 (which is by no means a bad thing). A subtle, yet driving tempo sets the tone for this slow building eruption of sound that plays like the most theatrical romance you’ve ever heard. If you like it when The Dear Hunter pull out all the stops, this is the song for you.

“Home” (White)

When you have a title like “Home,” you have two choices for structure. You can go upbeat and refreshing, something most likely assisted by gang vocals, or you can go negative and bring to light some suppressed hate and/or anger. As you can probably guess by the song’s corresponding EP’s color, the former is the case here. Carrying an almost angelic feel throughout, it is impossible to not get swept away in the melody and rhyme. Hands down the best song on the disc.

“Fall And Flee” (White)
More depressing in mood, but just as light musically, “Fall And Flee” gives you a much wider view of the White EP’s possibilities. Where “Home” felt almost heavenly in a sense, there’s a sense of hopelessness here. Very cold (in the lightest sense possible), but eventually ending on a positive note.

As my third spin of this collection came to an end, I couldn’t help but hunger for the remaining tracks in The Color Spectrum. Casey Crescenzo and his band of cohorts have created something new and different for both themselves and music in general. Words like breathtaking may seem a bit over the top to some, but those who’ve heard will undoubtedly agree such terms would only begin to describe what has been accomplished here. Support this release. Please.

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James Shotwell

James Shotwell is the founder of Under The Gun Review. He loves writing about music and movies almost as much as he loves his two fat cats. He's also the co-founder of Antique Records and the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. You should probably follow him on Twitter.

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