ALBUM REVIEW: Ian Hunter – ‘Defiance Part 2: Fiction’

While his formative outfit Mott The Hopple have been resigned to the rock n’ roll hall of fame many decades ago, their frontman Ian Hunter has hardly stopped making new music. Throughout the years in which Hopple ended their impactful streak, Hunter has been quick to establish himself as one of the more visionary names on the scene. And with last year’s LP ‘Defiance Part 1’ reinvigorating those enigmatic flavours for him, he returns once again with its follow-up ‘Defiance Part 2: Fiction’.

Much like what the initial half of these new collections was looking to project, ‘Defiance Part 2: Fiction’ is a raw and emotive snapshot of his own tenured place within today’s music arena. Stripping apart his own personal gripes with the state of things and what he wishes for the future, this new effort makes for a wonderfully rich and inviting listen. With a dazzling array of guest artists such as Brian May, Taylor Hawkins, Johnny Depp, Billy Bob Thornton and many more making their mark on this new release, he continues to prove himself a vital addition to this new generation of artists as well.

While his output in recent years has still managed to develop new pursuits for his vibrant direction, ‘Defiance Part 2: Fiction’ sits as one of his more progressive releases in recent years. Branching off into a multitude of diverse ideas with every track, he returns revived and rejuvenated throughout.