The Dear Hunter is a band with a story to tell, and every album they release is a continuation.

Their first album, Act I: The Lake South, the River North, introduced the titular character, referred only as “the Boy” or the “Dear Hunter”. An orphan, he was taken in by a Ms. Terri, and is slowly learning the ways of the world. In their sophomore album, Act II: The Meaning of, & All Things Regarding Ms. Leading, the Boy has grown up from his roots. Ms. Terri is dead, and the boy has fallen in love with Ms. Leading, a beautiful young prostitute who ultimately breaks his heart.

The Dear Hunter is at their best in Act II. The lyrics are catchy, poignant, and thought-provoking, such as in “Black Sandy Beaches”, a melancholy ballad. The songs are varied and filled with incredible orchestration; in the song “Blood of the Rose” I half forgot I was listening to a song and was convinced it was a movie soundtrack. The only downside is the lead singer’s vocals – they are very powerful, but at times drowned out by the rest of the band and somewhat hard to hear.

Overall, this is a band worth listening to and worth following. Their second album is a success, the arrangements spectacular, and the story of the Dear Hunter just as endearing as the first album.