Migrant is the fifth full-length album by indie folk rockers The Dear Hunter. Generally known for their Act records, which are all conceptually written, this is the first album that does not follow the same pattern. Migrant is an honest disc with exceptional lyrics and musicianship. The opener “Bring You Down” begins with the introduction of string arrangements and piano. Singer and founder Casey Crescenzo then sings vocals until the band kicks in about a minute into the song. The groovy bassline plays in the background along with drums to provide a rhythm underneath the vocals. Multiple voices in the background do a great job of backing up Crescenzo’s. This effort is also seen on songs like “Shame” and “Shouting At The Rain,” with the latter showing excellent musicianship by the guitarists. These chords, sustains and slides can also be heard in “Cycles.”
The heaviest tracks on the record are “Girl,” which features female vocals, and the wall of sound that exists on “Let Go.” The tunes on this album range from more upbeat to intimate. “The Kiss Of Life” and “An Escape” are faster tracks that feature chords and quick drumbeats. “Whisper” is the catchiest on the LP with an energetic chorus that’ll get you singing along. This energy is toned down on the more intimate side with songs like “Sweet Naiveté” and “Don’t Look Back.” Violins and the piano add to this emotion along with Crescenzo’s vocals.
There was no concept to this album besides writing from the heart, creating music they believed in and going in whatever direction they discovered.
In A Word: Compelling
