So, this is where I discovered hem back in high school in '07. I didn't realize that they had just been released, I honestly didn't know that until fairly recently, but I listened to this on repeat for so long. I told all my friends about it, I couldn't get enough. The level of storytelling in the Acts I had not encountered in music before. This is kind of a "comfort" album for me. I loved Act 1 but Casey could only do so much by himself. This is the first album with the full band and it shows. It's a little rough, kinda all over the place sonically, but it holds a special place for me. As the Acts go on you def see the band gel and polish, and the story just gets better. (Spoilers) I'd like to note in the last track VVV, the Hunter is reflecting as he's being shipped out I believe. After his fall out with Ms. Leading he joined the army and is on his way to WW1, which is where we pick up in Act 3. Also, after Act 1, every other Act has been the max of what a CD can hold, almost an hour and twenty minutes.
Thank you for making this. I know you've made this a while ago, but I just stumbled into this band not too long ago, and hearing your thoughts on the album is awesome! I don't know anyone (friends? Family, ect) who know or care for the music that I like.
Thanks for doing these reviews, it's something that these albums dearly deserve! as for what i think of Act II, i think is fantastic, it is very long but that adds to the replay ability imo
In The Bitter Suite 3 they are having sex so its much more intimate and the release "We fall beneath the sea in the back of our hearts and fail to breathe until we resurface again." is the climax. Such a warm and comforting song. My favorite has to go to The Blood and The Rose though. So simple its perfect
Dear Ms. Leading and Black Sandy Beaches are probably my two favorite tracks from TDH. So sad and vulnerable, I always skip to these songs on this album. Have you read Heavy Blog Is Heavy's interpretation of all 4 acts? Quite a long read, but very entertaining: www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2015/08/10/prognotes-the-dear-hunters-acts-part-i-the-lake-south-the-river-north/
I love the passage of time between Dear Ms. Leading and BSB but really love how BSB and Vital Vessels Vindicate interact. Just the Hunter trying to tell himself what he is doing is right and rationalizing his choices.
So, this is where I discovered hem back in high school in '07. I didn't realize that they had just been released, I honestly didn't know that until fairly recently, but I listened to this on repeat for so long. I told all my friends about it, I couldn't get enough. The level of storytelling in the Acts I had not encountered in music before. This is kind of a "comfort" album for me. I loved Act 1 but Casey could only do so much by himself. This is the first album with the full band and it shows. It's a little rough, kinda all over the place sonically, but it holds a special place for me. As the Acts go on you def see the band gel and polish, and the story just gets better.
(Spoilers) I'd like to note in the last track VVV, the Hunter is reflecting as he's being shipped out I believe. After his fall out with Ms. Leading he joined the army and is on his way to WW1, which is where we pick up in Act 3.
Also, after Act 1, every other Act has been the max of what a CD can hold, almost an hour and twenty minutes.
Thank you for making this. I know you've made this a while ago, but I just stumbled into this band not too long ago, and hearing your thoughts on the album is awesome!
I don't know anyone (friends? Family, ect) who know or care for the music that I like.
Thanks for doing these reviews, it's something that these albums dearly deserve! as for what i think of Act II, i think is fantastic, it is very long but that adds to the replay ability imo
Nice to see you here, Tundra
In The Bitter Suite 3 they are having sex so its much more intimate and the release "We fall beneath the sea in the back of our hearts and fail to breathe until we resurface again." is the climax. Such a warm and comforting song. My favorite has to go to The Blood and The Rose though. So simple its perfect
Dear Ms. Leading and Black Sandy Beaches are probably my two favorite tracks from TDH. So sad and vulnerable, I always skip to these songs on this album. Have you read Heavy Blog Is Heavy's interpretation of all 4 acts? Quite a long read, but very entertaining:
www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2015/08/10/prognotes-the-dear-hunters-acts-part-i-the-lake-south-the-river-north/
I love the passage of time between Dear Ms. Leading and BSB but really love how BSB and Vital Vessels Vindicate interact. Just the Hunter trying to tell himself what he is doing is right and rationalizing his choices.
You're in for a real treat with Act III :D So much emotion
I've already started to dive into it! OMG! Can't wait to talk about it :D
great review! can't wait for act 3
My favorite act!!!