Hailing from the same country that spawned the likes of Nickelback and Arcade Fire, roadworn Canadians The Hunters have their own brand of rock for the radio waves to contend with in third album ‘Art Electric.’ The question is will it break the barriers into mainstream stardom or keep them in the shadow of their peers.
Opening with ‘Dave Grohl’ you are immediately hit with a Foo Fighters sensation of tight riffs and an honest approach to what can only be described as rock ‘n’ Grohl. Following on with ‘Hold on’, Marci the quartet manoeuvre an emergency stop, hitting the brakes on what could have been a steady assault of noise in favour of groove, driven by a pulsating bass, giving you a breather when one wasn’t needed. Unless of course you’re prone to hyperventilating at anything heavier than McBusted.
The Hunters pull themselves out of the ditch with the melodic ‘Roadworn Heart’. Growing in stature and stapled with a punk rock manner missing from the previous track, this is a kick to the chest needed for an album in danger of failing at the first hurdle.
Confirming that it wasn’t a fluke and they have the testicular fortitude for the fight ‘Connecticut’ pops up like a fist in the face with the snarling words of, “I’m sick of boring bands and the shitty songs they play,” backed by no nonsense rhythms and woah oh’s you can hear radio produces frothing at the prospect of airing these tunes especially after the hearts on their sleeves rock of ‘Runaway’ cajoles the ear sweetly.
‘Art Electric’ then takes a turn for the worse. While the Canadians play with all the passion and gusto they can muster all it amounts to is an appreciative nod. As the surfer riffs of ‘Promises’ has no bite after an intimidating bark while the uplifting ‘Hurricane Song’ doesn’t contain the catchy chorus that the song deserves.
‘Postcards & Golden Lovers’ rejuvenates the lull with a Taking Back Sunday feel played with a vigour that Adam Lazzara would be proud of while ‘It Had To Be You’ has the flamboyance of a classic rock track without any cheese as ‘Basement Remedy’ has enough to strike fear in anyone who is lactose intolerant.
Closer ‘Paranoia’ has the rage and razor riffs but is missing a vital component refinement to make this a truly spectacular song.
The Hunters have created an album of two halves. When at their best they sound like a cross between The Menzingers and Foo Fighters with an aggressive, raw and honest take on their punk rock. However during large parts of ‘Art Electric’ they miss the sparkle that truly sets the record alight.
