The Hunters – Dissent Lasts…

Dissent Lasts…, the debut record from Quebec’s The Hunters, is most definitely an impressive call to arms album; one that’s filled with anthemic chants and sing-along choruses but throughout it all, you can’t help but feel that Dissent Lasts… is missing something.

Sonically, The Hunters are a fantastic punk rock band. Mixed tempos going from raucous gang choruses to a slowed down upstroke reggae vibe (Chokehold) fill the record, creates an ever changing style and sound. They always lean more towards the two-toned tempos but are never afraid to pick up the energy through a call-to-arms chant like they do on Sing Out. When a straight out chant isn’t what they want, they pull out the classic Pennywise “wo-oh-ohs” to get the listeners singing along. Peppered throughout that are small solos here and there (see Unwritten for a good example) for them to show off their technical ability as well.

The Flatliners and Keepin’6 vibe of the album is uncanny in the tempo, style and vocals. Lead vocalist “Kiss” has a scratchy tilt to his voice that is pushed further with his French-Canadian accent singing in English. The accent and tone of voice make it seem like the chant of “Boots In It! Kickin Up! Out Loud!” in Sing Out is in another language – it’s not until you read the lyrics in the booklet that you realize what he’s actually saying. It’s an odd sensation, but one that gives The Hunters a sense of personality as well.

What hurts Dissent Lasts… is not the sound of style of the band but more so the lack of individuality. As a whole, the record works quite well. It’s fun, cohesive, engaging and well executed; but once the records come to an end it has failed to leave a lasting impression with the listener.

Nothing on Dissent Lasts… truly jumps out at you and makes you press the repeat button (well, the odd chant in Sing Out does a few times…). Once the record plays through, it’s done. There’s nothing left and you aren’t left wanting more which most likely means that once Dissent Lasts... leaves your CD player, it’ll be a long time before it finds its way back into it.

Despite a generally solid foundation and some entertaining tracks, Dissent Lasts… doesn’t last. It’s missing that punch to really sell the record and turn it into one you’ll play over and over again. As it is, you’ll play it once, maybe twice, and then put aside and let it collect dust.