REVIEW

The Dear Hunter on target with new album

AP review by Ron Harris

[April 02, 2013]  CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- The Dear Hunter, "Migrant" (Equal Vision)

It's always a challenge for musicians as technically talented as the members of The Dear Hunter not to get lost in their own world and forget to make music for others. On its fifth album, "Migrant," The Dear Hunter handles the balance well.

Whether it's the crush of guitars on "Bring You Down" or the gentle interplay of piano and strings on the slower "Shame," there's tension and urgency on the tracks that knits them together thematically.

Lead singer Casey Crescenzo delivers stirring vocals that burst with emotion but stay clear of bombast. He walks that tightrope nicely.

A lot of thought has to go into mixing this many instruments, this well, and not making a mess of things. Producer Mike Watts gets a big hat tip. A lot of sounds that could have overpowered each other, or gotten lost in the shuffle, are delivered perfectly here and a strong album is stronger for his deft touch.

[Associated Press; By RON HARRIS]

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