LogFAQs > #976264620

36. The Dear Hunter - Act IV: Rebirth in Reprise
Progressive Rock, Indie Rock, Rock Opera
2015
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/9/4/2/AAeDEnAAE3gm.jpg

@NBIceman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35DkAladWxk

1. The Bitter Suite IV and V: The Congregation and the Sermon in the Silt
2. King of Swords (Reversed)
3. Remembered

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIBJ-RYSAhU

I remember this band from an earlier ranking topic. I gave A Night on the Town, your nomination, just shy of bottom 10 out of 164 songs. Bold of you to nominate the album its from for this

I know this is a very lyrics-heavy band, so Im trying my hardest to pay attention to the words. Apparently this album is part of an overarching storyline about someone named Hunter (is he especially Dear?) trying to live a new life. These sorts of concept albums intrigue me. Do I need to be familiar with the previous three Acts to fully appreciate this? I dont think so; thus far the lyrics have been vague enough and havent seemed to reference prior storylines. Then again, despite my best efforts the lyrics keep slipping away from me. I warned you!

The album is pretty proggy. Lots of fun with time signatures. I can always appreciate that, even if Im not always all that into it.

I think Id be a bit kinder to A Night on the Town now. IIRC my major complaint before was the length, and I didnt mind that as much. I even appreciated the extended instrumental ending.

Boy, Rebirth in Reprise isnt holding my interest, like, at all. Thats not a good thing for an album thats almost 80 minutes! The songs all feel pretty samey. Again, despite my best efforts Im barely focusing on the lyrics, so theres not as much for me to grab onto. However, the back half I actually find to be more varied and engaging.

YouTube offers this description for The Bitter Suite:

They arrive at the Church, and Hunter recognizes the priest from when he worked in The Dime, which has been closed because of the war. He speaks against The Priest knowing that he's The Pimp, but the mass ignores him, and the sermon begins. The Priest tells the people that the only way to salvation is through him money. The sermon ends, and Hunter is approached by The Priest, applauded as a returning war hero. He pretends to not know who The Priest really is, and pretends to not be Hunter. The Priest suggests that Hunter run for mayor, to fix the corruption in the City. Hunter agrees, seeing that this is the perfect way to get rid of The Pimp and The Priest.

I feel like context has got to help here, right? Is there some sort of magical unlocking mechanism that will make this all resonate more with me? Ooh, but then I actually get to The Bitter Suite and it actually sounds kind of different to the rest of the album. I almost always enjoy evil circus music, which feels fitting for a corrupt priest (context!). Also, Im able to focus on the lyrics here, presumably because Im actually enjoying the song and so it doesnt feel like a chore >_>; Then the last part of The Bitter Suite starts and I go right back to zoning out.

King of Swords (Reversed) is surprisingly funky lol what. Thats unexpected XD

Takeaways by the end:
- This is still generally not a style I care for and I zoned out a lot
- But! When Im invested in the song, I have minimal problems listening to the lyrics
- I was only able to reliably pick up on the lyrics to one song (The Bitter Suite)

NBIceman, I dont know if you even remember my ranking topic from a few years ago. If you do, it was a bold choice to give me this album again. I do thank you for letting me experience a different side to this band. If you didnt remember, wellmaybe you will next time