The Hunters: Art Electric

Artist: The Hunters
Title: Art Electric
Format Reviewed: MP3
Format Released: 13th May 2014
Reviewed By: James Ellison

Quebec based The Hunters release their second album Art Electric, in mid May. The record starts off with a track titled Dave Grohl. For me, this is a bold statement and means the song either needs to be predominantly about the God of Rock himself or at least sound like it's straight out of a Foo Fighters ‘how to write songs’book.  Sadly it appears to be neither, but it's over quickly and we're swiftly moved straight into Hold On, Marci. The Hunters' sound takes on a more bouncy, indie-esque style that flows but doesn't add anything to the rest of the album.

Fourth song in is Connecticut. Here, the band's punk rock sound is captured with gritty guitars and powerful vocals. This song leaves behind the album's weak start and really packs a punch with a hook that's easily taken in. Next is Runaway. The album is really in its stride now, full of energy, emotive lyrics and a big sing along chorus. It's the song you know is going to be great live and features a honed, raw, vocal performance from frontman Dominic Pelletier. Next up, Heroes, which for me is the most commercial sounding track on the album and the high point. A testament to well-written punk rock songs it features probably the most memorable chorus of the whole album and has a similar sound and delivery to Rise Against at their best.

Promises keeps up the pace and cements the Rise Against and Anti-Flag sound the band are reaching for, but after that the album trails off.  The lead guitar of Danahé Rousseau-Côté feels overdone in places and gives some songs an unnecessarily try-hard jangle. This takes it away from the punk rock sound and swerves towards an indie vibe that doesn't add up.

Art Electric seems to be a hit and miss album. In the middle there are songs that represent a well oiled powerful punk rock sound that's solidity is perfectly suited to Dominic's emotive and well crafted vocals. However it's when the band holds back that the sound lacks something gripping.  This album is totally worth it if only just for those middle (Balls to the wall) four tracks Connecticut, Runaway, Heroes and Promises.