This is the debut album from Canadian three piece outfit Half Moon Run. These guys have been around since 2010 and have really set the bar pretty high with an album of this caliber. I have listened to the album a few times now and each time this collection of varied songs are offering something new. With their first single 'Full Circle' being elected as a free weekly download via the itunes store, I decided to give it a go. Kept it on my phone and played it for a few weeks before resisting the urge and buying the album. So I guess both the band and sadly itunes have served their purpose in that sense. Intricate acoustic guitar picking followed by a delicate vocal from singer Devon Portielje announce 'Full Circle' the opening track on the album. An infectious drum beat, bass and added electric guitar full of reverb make this collection come to life. The chorus is irresistibly catchy and you will find this with the next track on the album to, 'Call Me In The Afternoon'. It has one of those melodies that includes a backing vocalist adding another spin to a track that you swear you've already heard somewhere before. This track oozes single material. I can see it being a record label's ideal candidate as a second single. It also shows the extent of musical ability for all members. Singer Devon displaying his percussion skills by using a pair of drum sticks and a tom instead of a guitar for the track. With a similar ethic the drummer plays keyboard and drums during the song. All members adding contributions in the vocal department throughout the entire album in fact. Similarities to other artists are always going to occur, but that doesn't make this album unoriginal. Slower songs on the album venture towards a Jeff Buckley/Radiohead sound which is always some feet if its pulled off well. In this case it very much is, which sits very well with me indeed. Stand out tracks including 'Unofferable' convey this very concept with a clean guitar sound that you can imagine being played in a candle lit empty cathedral. A thudding floor tom that keeps a beautiful pace until the song ends but never short of echo effects. The song 'Nerve' towards the end of the album has a simple keyboard part but again a nice tempo which feeds yet another great catchy chorus. The melodies on this album are brilliant, sometimes one vocalist, other times two and at times even all three. Keeping this mix along with a quality of good lyrics is always a great recipe for decent songs. There is a dark element to some of the lyrics and tracks alike on the album clearly, but a distinctive lead vocal that almost makes you forget at times perhaps a portrayal of pain should be perceived. An unusual feeling to experience I suppose in the context of certain songs but the passion may be an element that just stands out at the fore front of the singers voice. None the less it works for sure. If you like an album that has a mixture of both fun, yet pop-esque pleas alongside dark qualities then you will love this album. As far as debuts go in my eyes, these guys have a done a really good job. An album well worth checking out by a band that have the foundations to do really well.
Gareth Hack.
07.08.2013
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