Review: Oh, Hunter by Hayden Calnin

Never before has there been such a unique and dynamic sounding EP as Hayden Calnin’s, Oh, Hunter.

The Melbourne artist marries breathtaking falsettos with haunting harmonies that float in and out of stimulating electronic beats. Each song is so thoroughly and thoughtfully produced, evoking and heightening intense emotion.

The singer-songwriter masters the ability of storytelling through his poetic lyrics and the raw passion in which he sings them in, a factor that demonstrates growth and maturity from his debut EP, City.

Genres of electronica and progressive folk are fused together across all five tracks. The EP begins with ‘Coward’, where layers upon layers of electronic noises and percussion accompany Calnin’s cosmic vocal range, creating magical echoes that only intensify as the track goes on. Both this and ‘Comatose’ share a very slow melodic tempo and an eerie ambiance; however, each offer completely different stories and emotions, catering to the most astute of minds.

The nirvana inducing ‘I Corrupt’ sees a plethora of voices weaved into the beat to create a heavenly chant. These poetic cries are accentuated through smooth crescendos and electronic riffs, which together miraculously create a strong energy from an andante tempo.

‘Not Good For Me’ and ‘Forever A Traveller’ focus more on honest vocals, which stand beside very simple and thoughtful beats as well as crisp and mellow guitar work in the final track. The harmonies created in the midst of such raw renditions are the perfect way to close out this EP.

The melancholic stories that make up Oh, Hunter should be rejoiced for the sheer musical talent that they are portrayed in. This is the record everyone with a conscience must listen to.