Dear Hunter, The - Act III: Life and Death

[Steve Henderson]

The Dear Hunter – Act III: Life and Death
Release Date: June 23, 2009
Record Label: Triple Crown

So here we are – halfway through the sprawling six-volume epic of The Dear Hunter, and the road has been anything but smooth. After the universally adored Act II came out and gained traction in the scene, the band was almost dismantled by the departure of three members, leaving the future of the band and its opus in clouded doubt. Thankfully for fans, Casey Crescenzo is persistent to the greatest degree, and along with Erick Serna, rebuilt The Dear Hunter to rise again.

One might think that with this discord and splintering, the work of The Dear Hunter might suffer in kind, but such is not the case. If anything, Act III: Life and Death ends up being a much more focused, coherent offering, and exhibits no signs of faltering or lost momentum. Whereas Act II: The Meaning Of & All Things Regarding Ms. Leading was the progeny of the band experimenting across the entire sonic spectrum, Act III is the sound of a band finding their sound, and honing it to a fine point. Act II was lauded for its diversity, but Act III almost makes it sound disconnected in comparison. Act II was almost certainly the band (and Casey) finding itself, and Act III is the first revelation of the growth to come from said self-awareness.

Starting off with a haunting manifold vocal arrangement a la Act I’s "Battesimo del Fuoco," the third act wastes no time in creating a tangible sense of place. As the a capella montage rolls smoothly into TDH’s trademark ragtime/jazz/prog blend, the record and story begins to unfurl – first slowly on the remainder of the album’s opener, then blisteringly so on “In Cauda Venenum” (meaning literally “the poison (is) in the tail” or “save the worst for last”). Replete with horns, blasting guitars, and a free clinic in percussion, it is the edgier, angrier Dear Hunter that first surfaced on Act II’s barn-burning “Dear Ms. Leading,” and it grabs its listener right from the start with an ideal mix of energy and intricacy. The same holds for the exhausting “The Tank,” which is arguably the most operatic and theatrical track released this year, and the swing/bluegrass hybrid of “Go Get Your Gun.”

Of course, given the band’s track record, it should come as little surprise that the band can construct sizzling, vigorous numbers. But Casey and crew prove that “Black Sandy Beaches” and “Red Hands” were not its only downtrodden bull’s-eyes, as they strike gold once again with the gorgeous “Saved,” which blooms in disarming fashion to a meticulously arranged vocal coda. Other slow numbers, while effective in carrying the story, however, are less musically engaging (see: “Father” and “Life and Death”). That said about the fast and slow, there is a lot to love in the midtempo of Act III, with noteworthy tracks including the dramatic “What It Means To Be Alone,” the familiar anachronistic piano pop of “The Poison Woman,” the dreamy expanse of “The Thief,” the schizophrenic “Mustard Gas,” and the self-assured swagger of “He Said He Had a Story.” Quite a bit of meat and potatoes, and certainly enough to overwhelm the record’s minor stumbling blocks.

In a vacuum, Act III is impressive in its own right, and is perhaps even more so when viewed in the context of The Dear Hunter’s progression to get to this point. While it was evident on Act II that Casey had evolved considerably as a vocalist, he again trumps his prior work here, and delivers some of his most impressive and memorable performances to date, expanding in both range and confidence, which really gives the songs that extra quality of immersion. Likewise, the self-production on Life and Death showcases an ever-developing wizardry behind the boards, and Mike Watts’ perfect mixing is just icing on the cake, turning out to be an excellent elective for the band.

Overall, The Dear Hunter’s Act III: Life and Death might sound a little less fresh than its predecessors, and is less likely to corral new fans like Act II did, but that is not necessarily to say it is an inferior product. In fact, Act III is certainly more mature, more focused, and more assured. The collection carries the story skillfully, and leaves the literary-minded listener waiting for more. It is the type of growth that makes the Boston-based troupe sound less like a post-hardcore “scene” band, and helps them fill the shoes their ambitions have always aspired to. Act III is definitely not the big step up some people might have expected, but it is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.


The Receiving End of Sirens, The Sound of Animals Fighting, Kaddisfly, Portugal the Man, The Mars Volta, Thrice

[skyphoenix]

Great review. I love this album.

[SKooT]

Just received my limited edition preorder in the mail a few minutes ago... I can't wait to listen to this.

[eleven eleven]

I agree with your review for the most part. Although the song is titled "He Said He Had A Story". Also, I believe the that "Father" and "Life And Death" are easily better than "Saved".

[crit]

Great review.

[peder458]

nice review. CANNOT WAIT to hear this. this man does not disappoint.

[Ragnarok71]

Disagree with father and life and death, both great songs. In fact these two caught on earlier than songs such as the thief did for me.

I can't fault this record and it's even better when listened along with act I and II. Good review however, nice to see this album get 90%

[thehereaway]

The album is great, doesn't surpass Act II for me, but its great none the less.

[Shakriel]

Loving this album. :)

[Steve Henderson]

I agree with your review for the most part. Although the song is titled "He Said He Had A Story". Also, I believe the that "Father" and "Life And Death" are easily better than "Saved".
Fixed the song title...not sure why my iTunes ripped the CD that way.

[mymusicismylife]

I've been meaning to check these guys out, sounds like I should do it as soon as possible.

[Dedsexi]

AOTY for sure

good review, though there were some parts I didnt completely agree with (that could be due to The Dear Hunter being my favorite band) I agreed with around 95% of it.

[zubinmoosa]

Great review. Can't wait to sit down with my pre-order and give a real listen to the record. No doubt it will be fantastic.

[ricky denim]

Awesome review! I havn't listened to anything apart from the the myspace songs and am holding off until my pre-order arrives. The wait is killing me!!

[panicbxmb]

this album is so ridiculously good!!!

[darkmartheight]

I have mine. I can't wait to listen!

[polygon]

Spot on review, the album is great. Definitely worth picking up

[Keagan Ilvonen]

Great job Steve. This album is so good. I can't believe everyone hasn't listened to this band. I know music is subjective but if you can't find something to like about this band then you have no taste in any shape or form of music. Just for the fact that the band can master any sound they want. Again, great job with the review, this album is my AOTY currently.

[Cheesus]

Great review, you really nailed it. This album is wonderful and definitely an AOTY nominee thus far.

[Romancebled]

great review. this album is amazing.

[CLARIFY THIS]

Anyone know if you can get those deluxe editions anywhere other than the Triple Crown store? I left it too late.

[killerclownbros]

brilliant in depth review, you really captivated the album with words.

[icynova]

Great Album. Awesome band to see live (and hang out with in the bar afterwards! :thumbup: )

[Steve Henderson]

Anyone know if you can get those deluxe editions anywhere other than the Triple Crown store? I left it too late.
The packaging for the deluxe edition is incredible. Buy it if you can.

[CLARIFY THIS]

The packaging for the deluxe edition is incredible. Buy it if you can.
I've wanted it since it was first announced.Stupidly I left it till yesterday to order it due to cashflow and now they are sold out.I'm just praying that they get some more in over at Triple Crown

[denissuxx]

Great review.

[Anton Djamoos]

The packaging for the deluxe edition is incredible. Buy it if you can.
So so so so so cool.

[Steve Henderson]

So so so so so cool.
Might be the nicest arrangement I have ever picked up. The storybook, the postcards, all so amazing.

[jtyexists9]

I didn't think they would top Act II but they did. Good review.

[jtjt43]

Still waiting for my limited edition to get all the way over to here in the UK, and have thus far resisted the temptation to listen to the leak, but this fantastic review is making it so much more dificult to do so!

[FireInTheSky]

Might be the nicest arrangement I have ever picked up. The storybook, the postcards, all so amazing.
any idea what the numbers on the back of the last post card are about?

[Protested Hero]

I just received my Deluxe Edition in the mail yesterday, such an amazing album. They make me proud to live in Massachusetts.

[Steve Henderson]

any idea what the numbers on the back of the last post card are about?
Haven't dug into it enough yet - just got my preorder last night.

[ACA]

I need to check this out asap.

[timb89]

love this album... but for someone who is lazy and doesnt like lots of reading i definately preferred razias shadow in the concept album department. it was just so easy to understand and digestible. Dear hunter however is much more, almost too complicated. but then i compare that to the rediculously intricate story line that coheed presents, and it doesnt seem so bad.

[Altwav]

I got my copy last thursday and I haven't listened to anything since. First listen I was iffy, but since then I have not been able to stop myself from listening to the entire album nonstop

[FaceLixeMurder]

Need to check this out!

[trindaddy]

Pretty much agreed. This album, much like the previous two, will find it's way up near the top of my AOTY list come December.

[doppelganger]

good review. i agree for the most part.

[n1asfan]

Everything about this album is so amazing. Great review!

[Travis Parno]

phenomenal album. one of those where i change my favorite song almost every day. great work, steve!

[patpratt]

i feel like these albums are such a process to listen to. just takes to much god damn time.

[Steve Henderson]

i feel like these albums are such a process to listen to. just takes to much god damn time.
Yeah, I prefer albums I listen to once and then throw in the garbage.

[tbsrock08]

Review= AMAZING
CD= AMAZING
EVERYTHING about this ALBUM= AMAZING!!!!

[ffadam]

Wasn't sure of this the first time I listened but then REALLY enjoyed it second time around. Not as instant as Act II I think personally but I really like a lot of the songs here. "The Tank" is incredible and "Go Get Your Gun" is also outstanding. Casey outdid himself here.

[Dirge07]

Great review man. I really love this album. The packaging is outstanding too, with the whole postcards and storybook addition to it and whatnot. Daddy likie :]

Yeah, I prefer albums I listen to once and then throw in the garbage.

Hahaha

[Keagan Ilvonen]

Anyone know if you can get those deluxe editions anywhere other than the Triple Crown store? I left it too late.
I believe so. I posted all necessary links in my blog and pictures of the deluxe if you need any more reason to buy it.

[I Shot Chicago]

i'm loving Act III, but i've always been a bit fuzzy on the story line of all three albums.
anyone mind giving a quick overview?

[patpratt]

Yeah, I prefer albums I listen to once and then throw in the garbage.
Oh relax Steve, I didn't mean it like that.

I loved Act II and still haven't listened to III but I'm just saying that these things are fucking long and it's difficult to find time to sit down and listen to the whole thing at once and I feel that that is the way they should be listened to.

[Steve Henderson]

Oh relax Steve, I didn't mean it like that.

I loved Act II and still haven't listened to III but I'm just saying that these things are fucking long and it's difficult to find time to sit down and listen to the whole thing at once and I feel that that is the way they should be listened to.
I was just kidding. :shrug:

[SKooT]

Anyone know if you can get those deluxe editions anywhere other than the Triple Crown store? I left it too late.
http://twitter.com/3crown/status/2284767427

"deluxe version of The Dear Hunter Act III is all sold out at TCR.com, only place to get it now is at the Mewithoutyou tour"

[convergejd]

Not a bad Cd. Not particularly good. It's decent. Nowhere near Act II. I agree with you that they've "found" their sound, but unfortunately, they settled on a rather ridiculous, overly-bombastic sound.

[MattDennis]

I liked what I heard on the myspace...still can't decide if I will buy it or not though.

[dpatrickguy]

i could never get into act two save for a few songs, but i am really liking this album

[taylerx0]

I need to hear this!

[stealthpeng]

just listened to the stream on AOL music... it's a great album, but I'm not sure if I like it better than ACT II.... I like the fact that that album was overly long

[AMackChuck]

Wonderful review. Completely agree with all points. This album is wonderful but I wouldn't expect anything less from the Dear Hunter.

[Takk...Ros]

I am super duper stoked for this!

[Thedalylife]

Listend ot it as soon as i got my pre-order last saturday and now i can't wait until ACT IV is done, even though Act III waas just released. My question to everyone is, does anyone have an mp3 rip of "what it means to be alone" from the youtube video where casey is playing the paino by himself? it would be greatly appreciated by this guy if someone could hook a brother up.

[Brissona]

streaming it right now at work and I have to say that I have no problems with this album, very approachable and listenable. This allows you to listen and then dig in after a couple of spins which will keep me coming back. A dear hunter musical would be epic.

[patpratt]

I was just kidding. :shrug:
Oh okay. We can be friends again.

[FiveIronFlores]

This album is awesome. It's hard to rate it song by song as just another album when really it is a work of art all the way from act I to act III and I would say that this act is their most musically and lyrically poignant and climactic. Loved it!

[Portugal4142]

nothing compared to act II...

[thespearkid]

I'd give it about 70-75.

[genericmadness]

It's no Act II, but it's a keeper!

[TheRagingJew]

it's better than Act I. but it hasn't grown on me like Act II has... i probably need to listen to it more...

[dietoseeyoufail]

Good, fair review.

I would agree

[carramrod2005]

Really good cd, not as good as Act II but a great listen

[streydogg]

You're right Steve. This album does not have the same in your face impact as Act II but I find myself hearing the guitar riffs in my head all of the time. Great review. I'm positive this album will grow on the listeners. I was glad to see you cover this review. Yourself and Julia have great taste in music.

[TachyonEvan]

I cannot wait to hear this.

[Steve Henderson]

You're right Steve. This album does not have the same in your face impact as Act II but I find myself hearing the guitar riffs in my head all of the time. Great review. I'm positive this album will grow on the listeners. I was glad to see you cover this review. Yourself and Julia have great taste in music.
:beerbros:

[PigDestroyer]

This is one of the best reviews I've read in awhile.

I'm digging the album, except for a few of those really "operatic theatrical parts" (which is a perfect way to describe them by the way). You can tell this whole process is a real labor of love from Casey when you listen to the album.

[phoenixinflames]

SUCH an awesome record!

[Steve Henderson]

This is one of the best reviews I've read in awhile.

I'm digging the album, except for a few of those really "operatic theatrical parts" (which is a perfect way to describe them by the way). You can tell this whole process is a real labor of love from Casey when you listen to the album.
I agree on that last part. It is so evident that dude bleeds for his music.

[PigDestroyer]

Also - as much as I've liked the three acts so far, and I haven't been able to give "III" more than a couple spins, I still think his best work is ahead of him.

[dru]

triple crown is gonna have some fun this year with this release and ATAL's

[liquideasy]

You can hear the evolution from Act I til Act III. This album really does kick ass. I'm already stoked on IV.

[liquideasy]

You can hear the evolution from Act I through Act III. This album really does kick ass. I'm already stoked on IV.

[The Boathouse]

This CD is fucking incredible.

[thedaywedied]

i cannot agree more

[saysmydoctor]

See, I think Act III is just as disjointed musically as Act II, you make it seem very static (in a good sense) and pretty consistent and I think it's all over the place and the spectrum (in a good way). I love it!

[Brett3]

Loving this album already.

[DcS]

Disagree with this review because Son/Father/Life and Death is by far the best sequence on this album and Life and Death is probably my favorite song. Other than that, good review.. this album owns my life right now.

[TheLoyalVox]

Act III schools Acts II and I... I've been listening to it literally 24/7 since I got it... even fell asleep with it on and listened to it all day at work. Absolutely amazing album.

[Ragnarok71]

I know I have replied already, But I managed to get a scan of the Act II booklet and its amazing! I can't wait for the whole deluxe edition to be in my hands. Truly my favourite concept and band, I hope they decide to make a book like this for every release!

[Fury15]

any idea what the numbers on the back of the last post card are about?
Not sure what those numbers mean. My guess is that It's a sequence for some kind of message. For example the first number reads: 2.4.10 Perhaps it's track 2, letter 2, word 4. No idea if that's correct but it's a good start.

On the other side of that card (the one with the credits) there are a few letters that are red. If you combine them all it reads WE LOOK JUST LIKE FIRE.

[losnoufy]

more mature, possibly. more focused, yes. more memorable? not at all, in my opinion.

act III leaves me in a very difficult position...this band means so much to me. i was at the first show, from before the dear hunter was even a real band, at a church in north attleboro, MA, where TREOS played as casey's backup band. i've seen them so many times that i've lost count. i've cried to red hands. i was so excited when the first two acts came out...but for some reason...i don't know if it's just not the kind of music i'm getting into lately or what...but i just can't really get too into this. it's great musicianship, and on paper it's pretty much the same as act II in terms of creativity, concept, etc. the production, which was really my one complaint about act II, is SO much better. i don't know...i love these guys to death, but i just don't know i'll be listening to this too many more times any time soon. to me, no part of this album is memorable at all, which was my favorite part of the first two acts and even the dear ms. leading demos. it breaks my heart. red hands will forever be a major part of me.

[Fury15]

Pretty sure I figured it out. Get back to you when I decode it all. It looks like it's going to answer the question: "who am I?"

[Fury15]

"I was his boundary I am his purgatory I will be his heaven"

First number is the postcard/track, second number is the line, third number is the letter

[Cheesus]

more mature, possibly. more focused, yes. more memorable? not at all, in my opinion.

act III leaves me in a very difficult position...this band means so much to me. i was at the first show, from before the dear hunter was even a real band, at a church in north attleboro, MA, where TREOS played as casey's backup band. i've seen them so many times that i've lost count. i've cried to red hands. i was so excited when the first two acts came out...but for some reason...i don't know if it's just not the kind of music i'm getting into lately or what...but i just can't really get too into this. it's great musicianship, and on paper it's pretty much the same as act II in terms of creativity, concept, etc. the production, which was really my one complaint about act II, is SO much better. i don't know...i love these guys to death, but i just don't know i'll be listening to this too many more times any time soon. to me, no part of this album is memorable at all, which was my favorite part of the first two acts and even the dear ms. leading demos. it breaks my heart. red hands will forever be a major part of me.
Just take pride in knowing that you're wrong.

[losnoufy]

Just take pride in knowing that you're wrong.
i wish i was. i'm not trying to talk down on anyone that likes it, this is just my opinion. all it means is i got something different out of the dear hunter than you do, and whatever that was is now gone for the most part.

[blankets]

Can't wait to sit down and listen to this album.

[Cheesus]

i wish i was. i'm not trying to talk down on anyone that likes it, this is just my opinion. all it means is i got something different out of the dear hunter than you do, and whatever that was is now gone for the most part.
I hear ya... Its weird though cause you basically praise the album a bunch and then say how much you dislike it.. just give it some time

[losnoufy]

I hear ya... Its weird though cause you basically praise the album a bunch and then say how much you dislike it.. just give it some time
i totally agree, it's weird as fuck. there really isn't much wrong with the album, aside from the fact that it's just a tad too theatrical for my taste. there's just something missing i think, something that was in the first two acts and the demos that isn't in act III. but again, this is just my opinion, and i'm sure someday i'll decide to listen to it again and maybe my mind will be in a different place.

[simensays]

Just take pride in knowing that you're wrong.
this is the dumbest comment i've ever read

[Portugal4142]

more mature, possibly. more focused, yes. more memorable? not at all, in my opinion.

act III leaves me in a very difficult position...this band means so much to me. i was at the first show, from before the dear hunter was even a real band, at a church in north attleboro, MA, where TREOS played as casey's backup band. i've seen them so many times that i've lost count. i've cried to red hands. i was so excited when the first two acts came out...but for some reason...i don't know if it's just not the kind of music i'm getting into lately or what...but i just can't really get too into this. it's great musicianship, and on paper it's pretty much the same as act II in terms of creativity, concept, etc. the production, which was really my one complaint about act II, is SO much better. i don't know...i love these guys to death, but i just don't know i'll be listening to this too many more times any time soon. to me, no part of this album is memorable at all, which was my favorite part of the first two acts and even the dear ms. leading demos. it breaks my heart. red hands will forever be a major part of me.
My thoughts EXACTLY. Act I and II were everything that was missing in music to me.. Act III i just plain can't get into... too much "razias shadow".. Which is cool... but it doesn't even seem blended with the remnants of TREOS anymore...

I really don't think it's that your musical tastes have changed... i think this CD (while still really well done etc) is just lacking the emotional grip that came so natural on the last 2 releases

[BulleTheory]

Son and Father are the best songs on this album.

[the andyspecial]

"I was his foundary I am his purgatory I will be his heaven"

First number is the postcard/track, second number is the line, third number is the letter
why do you have to ruin the surprise for others?

[Fury15]

why do you have to ruin the surprise for others?
Sorry, that one guy wanted to know. I thought everyone else would want to know... Didn't think that anyone would not want to know. I really am sorry.

[WhitestKidUKnow]

"I was his foundary I am his purgatory I will be his heaven"

First number is the postcard/track, second number is the line, third number is the letter
ew get some.

[rickyslade]

My thoughts EXACTLY. Act I and II were everything that was missing in music to me.. Act III i just plain can't get into... too much "razias shadow".. Which is cool... but it doesn't even seem blended with the remnants of TREOS anymore...

I really don't think it's that your musical tastes have changed... i think this CD (while still really well done etc) is just lacking the emotional grip that came so natural on the last 2 releases

I think an emotional grip is something that builds over time, or at least until you have an idea of what is going on in the songs. I wasn't too crazy about Son and Father till I realized the importance of those songs within the story. As someone who does feel a connection to this cd, I can only urge you to dig deeper.

[Garett Press]

Cheers Steve! Great review

[Portugal4142]

I think an emotional grip is something that builds over time, or at least until you have an idea of what is going on in the songs. I wasn't too crazy about Son and Father till I realized the importance of those songs within the story. As someone who does feel a connection to this cd, I can only urge you to dig deeper.
Yeah thats a good point.. i definitely need to give it another shot... I think another big complaint of mine is that it's not as energetic (Ms. Leading)... it has its moments though...

[chelseaxsmilexD]

"I was his boundary I am his purgatory I will be his heaven"

First number is the postcard/track, second number is the line, third number is the letter
i thought i was the only one who got that... and i know how ppl act with me, like complete asses, so i wasn't about to put it on the site, mostly because i didn't want to ruin it for others, but whatever, it's out there now.

[tragedyco]

triple crown is gonna have some fun this year with this release and ATAL's
love the avatar.

[Cheesus]

this is the dumbest comment i've ever read
just take pride in knowing you made my day with that

[chelseaxsmilexD]

i'm loving Act III, but i've always been a bit fuzzy on the story line of all three albums.
anyone mind giving a quick overview?
idk if anyone has already given you one, but the first one is all about the conception and birth of "The Dear Hunter" or "The Boy" to the prostitute, Terri. The second one is all about how after his mother died he went to a nearby bordello and fell in love with a prostitute (probably because he was a product of the profession) and how he later leaves her because he cannot handle her job. I haven't heard the third one yet, so you'll have to do that one on your own.

[TachyonEvan]

Act III > Act I > Act II

[simensays]

just take pride in knowing you made my day with that
this is the dumbest reply ever

[Cheesus]

this is the dumbest reply ever
just take pride in knowing I know that

[tossit]

i'm gonna go and say it's my favorite the dear hunter record so far...

[UntilItKillsYou]

"I was his boundary I am his purgatory I will be his heaven"

First number is the postcard/track, second number is the line, third number is the letter
Thank you for pointing this out. I doubt i would have noticed any hidden anything, fuck those people saying you ruined anything

[p, FRY]

but what does it all mean ;-)

[dru]

love the avatar.
haha thanks. i think yours was mine awhile back. i miss the shit out of self against city

[coryatlarge]

http://twitter.com/3crown/status/2284767427

"deluxe version of The Dear Hunter Act III is all sold out at TCR.com, only place to get it now is at the Mewithoutyou tour"
thanks for this. i ordered from triple crown and i my paypal didnt go through so i never got it paid for. FML. good thing i'm seeing them this monday :dance:

[Cheesus]

For as lame as this is going to sound, this album almost moves me to tears at certain parts. It just breathes excellence.

[Bloodsucker II]

For as lame as this is going to sound, this album almost moves me to tears at certain parts. It just breathes excellence.
:gay:


jk dude

[Cheesus]

:gay:


jk dude
no

[Bloodsucker II]

no
I said I was kidding.

fat

[texasuckfest]

it's a consistent record.. each album gets a little better.

[Cheesus]

I said I was kidding.

fat

no

[n1asfan]

:gay:


jk dude
I lol'd

[Bloodsucker II]

no
k.

[Cheesus]

k.
lol jk duh. love me

[tragedyco]

haha thanks. i think yours was mine awhile back. i miss the shit out of self against city
you and me both brother.

[astaticskyline]

Aoty.

[permanentdan]

i cannot wait to get this record.

[RawRocker]

Nice review. Personally, I think I like what this album has to offer more than Act II, but I still think all the albums are great.

[EchoPark]

yeah Deerhunter are a great band.

[circasurviver]

Amazing album, except get your gun. That song is bad and should have been a B-side or scraped.

[Ambien]

Don't make me go get MY gun. The banjo in that song is awesome. 2:40 of bliss

[aliroth.nz]

What can I say...I think I'm one of the only ones in New Zealand to be into these guys.

Hard to rank this album with Act II because Act II is so memorable especially with the fact I've listened to it for so long...however I have listened to Act III nonstop for a few days...hmmm it grows on me everyday...and it seems every day I love one song more than the rest. I can't think of many other bands doing an epic story like DH, I can't wait till I can listen Act I to VI will be epic.

[QuicksilverKite]

"I was his boundary I am his purgatory I will be his heaven"

First number is the postcard/track, second number is the line, third number is the letter
sure, that's great and all, but look under the disc.
"Sequor Diversus Tabellae Ad Tela"
Follow the letters to the web? I'll try to figure what the hell that all means...

But I won't ruin it, I promise...

[Zach-Attack]

This band reminds me of the nightmare before x-mas

[marina_starr]

yeah Deerhunter are a great band.
Fail.

[Dymytry Vance]

Disagree with father and life and death, both great songs. In fact these two caught on earlier than songs such as the thief did for me.

I can't fault this record and it's even better when listened along with act I and II. Good review however, nice to see this album get 90%
I heard through the grapevine that they were all supposed to be listened together once all of them were churned out, do you know if this is true?

[Dymytry Vance]

yeah Deerhunter are a great band.
Wrong band. Fail (2)

[kimmy_tsoaf]

Loved the review.

When I received the album through the mail (I had pre-ordered, Deluxe edition) my heart was pounding. It definitely had to grow on me because I held very high respect and admiration for Act II. Every single time I started the album, I had to end it without skipping a single song - it grew on me each time and now it's up there along with Act II. I can't wait to see them for the 4th time in October! Wish they were headlining on my date. :/

[bfry33]

this is my favorite album from The Dear Hunter so far...

[Alex Gaspar]

Simply one of the best artists out there. Their music is near impeccable.

[MarkusN-K]

love the progression