The Hunts

“We Were Young”

2013

MCM

2.95/5 Stars

Consensus: While it has its moments, the album is just alright and very forgettable. The Hunts will get better as they get older and this is a commendable freshman album.

Sounds like: Mumford & Sons + Paul Simon + Death Cab for Cutie

1) Make This Leap – The album starts decently enough. “Make This Leap” is a bit redundant, and takes some time to find its sweet spot. The incorporation of a mandolin makes the song stick out a little more, and the violins in the song are tactfully placed, a nice tempo change towards the end followed by almost a'cappella gang vocals save the song from total mediocrity. ***

2) Lifting the Sea – This song feels the most Paul Simon-esq on the album, and certainly has the most organic feel to it. It is again refreshing to hear so many non-traditional instruments used in this song. However the song lacks a lot of charisma lyrically, and feels very sappy at times. The further the song goes on the less real it feels, and the more annoying it gets. With more depth and soul, this song would be significantly better, but what it ultimately adds up to is a pre-teen Raffi. **1/2

3) Above the Storm – The intro to this song is far too long, and again redundant. The Hunts do however exhibit one of their major strengths, that being 7 capable vocalists within their band. There is no question that a lot of talent is displayed here, but that doesn’t save this song from sounding very corporate and soulless. If it had been generated by a music making computer and performed by the very sincere and bright eyed Hunts, it would come as no surprise. Overall it is very drawn out and uninteresting. **

4) Worn – This ballad is irrepressibly dull and forgettable. With a tempo to match a funeral and the most predictable build up of all time, it takes every ounce of control to not skip this song after 30 seconds. That said, it does sound mostly different than the previous three songs on the album, an impressive feat, but ultimately no savior of the otherwise dull and forgettable 5:36 this song ends up being. **

5) This Is Love – Easily the strongest song on the album, this song is catchy and easy to get into. The transition between singers is flawless, and the lyrics are meaningful. The music behind the lyrics is powerful, unique and tactful. Perhaps the strongest thing this band has going for them is their willingness to incorporate non-guitar-bass-drums-singer instruments into their music. This song has especially effective use of this. With only a few seconds of less appealing bridge time this otherwise wonderful song is epic and memorable and stands out the most on the album. ****1/2

6) Green Eyes – The intro to this song is the most confusing and put-offish aspect to it. It is an audio clip of some sort, apparently of a man boarding a train or something inaudible, but it seems to have little significance that is easily distinguishable. Although the lyrics to this song are cute, it lacks a lot of the power it could have. It either needs to be much quieter, and played solo, or it needs to have impressive and extreme dynamics. It lacks both, but is still a decent song nonetheless. ***

7) Next to Me – The lyrics of this song flow extremely well and the use of ukulele with minimalist background instruments is effective. This song is also extremely catchy and memorable and is the second best on the album. Again the most impressive element of this song is the flow of the lyrics and the soulful singing in the song. It still has its “Raffi” edge to it, but that isn’t per-say a bad thing. ****

8) Be Naïve – Pretty vocal harmonies and nice piano create a very appealing lullaby. This is what the album’s early “Worn” and “Above the Storm” wanted to be. The three songs sound most similar, but this is the best executed of the three (whereas the other two are dull and forgettable). However, like the majority of the album, “Be Naïve” lacks the soul and voice character it needs to be a great song. This is frustrating as its potential is so apparent, and so squandered. ***

9) Beloved – Banjo, as a rule in folk and anywhere else it may be used, is one of the prettiest instruments to listen to. Putting it on the album this late makes you only think how lamentable it is that the banjo had not been more present and forefront on the rest of the album. This song has an especially appealing spiritual aspect to it that, again should have been present on the previous 8 tracks, but was absent. The overall tone of the song is very specific and makes for a strong song with a lot of power behind it. ****

10) Morning Light – Again with the lengthy Coldplay-esq piano intros, that are just thoroughly dull, and at this point in the album, predictable and boring. The ending of the album is one of its weakest points, and is the equivalent of the long speech from a relative while you are trying to leave their house and go back home. It holds no attention and doesn’t stand out at all. As soon as it begins, it should end. *1/2