The Deer Hunter – The Color Spectrum – 201101. Filth And Squalor (Black) (04:01)
02. Deny It All (Red) (03:35)
03. But There’s Wolves? (Orange) (04:06)
04. She’s Always Singing (Yellow) (02:45)
05. Things That Hide Away (Green) (03:24)
06. The Canopy (Green) (03:53)
07. Trapdoor (Blue) (03:53)
08. What Time Taught Us (Indigo) (04:06)
09. Lillian (Violet) (04:07)
10. Home (White) (03:55)
11. Fall And Flee (White) (04:05)
Casey Crescenzo has never been one to release a straightforward album. There seems to be a pattern of an underlying concept driving every one of his records, dating back to his past work with The Receiving End of Sirens and his current band The Dear Hunter. The Dear Hunter announced that The Color Spectrum would be a collection of nine EPs of four songs each, for every color in the ROYGBIV spectrum, along with Black and White, to be released on June 14th in vinyl and digital formats, as well as a compilation of 11 of the 36 tracks in CD and digital formats. The compilation reveals that Crescenzo is not only a mad genius who is able to make a story out of any concept, but also a highly talented musician able to tack multiple genres.
“Filth and Squalor” – Black EP
“Filth and Squalor” is the second song released from the first EP, along with “This Body,” which was released a few weeks ago. With the two songs as indication, fans can expect a heavily electronic, Radiohead-esque collection, with condemning lyrics confronting the actions of man.
“Deny It All” – Red EP
This looks to be the most alternative, straightforward of the EPs. Featuring guest vocals from Andy Hull of Manchester Orchestraand instrumentals by the rest of the band, the song comes off as a southern rocker focusing on religion.
“But There’s Wolves?” – Orange EP
“But There’s Wolves?” has all the fuzz and swing of ‘70s rock anthems similar to bands like latter era The Rolling Stones andAerosmith. Featuring Crescenzo’s soaring vocals and a blistering solo in the bridge of the song, this EP is sure to please classic rock fans.
“She’s Always Singing” – Yellow EP
More similar to fun. and Panic! At the Disco than anything previously done by Crescenzo, “She’s Always Singing” is one of the more intriguing songs on the collection. An upbeat, bouncing take on love, chalk full of gang vocal “ba-ba-bas” and Beach Boys-esque humming, this is surely a song that captures the summer spirit.
“Things That Hide Away” and “The Canopy” – Green EP
The two songs here feature plenty of slide guitar and acoustics, giving this EP an Americana, rootsy feel to both songs. Sure to be a favorite among fans of Wilco and country.
“Trapdoor” – Blue EP
Crescenzo does his best attempt at a croon on “Trapdoor,” which is the most “slow-dance” styled song on the collection. With this song as a signal, it seems the Blue EP will be the most relationship-based EP in the collection.
“What Time Taught Us” – Indigo EP
Much like the Black EP, “What Time Taught Us” features heavily electronic instrumentation, though not as heavy and biting as the previous collection. The band captures a dreamlike sound that fits the song perfectly, along with repeating vocals and dancing keys.
“Lillian” – Violet EP
“Lillian” is the most similar to the songs from the Act series, primarily the second chapter, featuring heavy strings and Crescenzo’s gravelly higher range. This is a favorite of mine from the collection and is sure to be a favorite among fans of the previous works by the band.
“Home” and “Fall and Flee” – White EP
Both songs feature effects on vocals, giving them a soothing (and fitting) heavenly feel, considering the color. The pair make up some of the “happier” songs on the collection.
Overall, the idea of The Color Spectrum might make some scratch their heads as it is intensely different from the storyline featured on every other The Dear Hunter release. However, this is a must-own for fans of Crescenzo, as it shows just how much of a musical genius he is.
― Bee OK, Wednesday, 25 May 2011 04:48 (thirteen years ago) link