HALF MOON RUN LIVE REVIEW - ROUGH TRADE EAST, BRICK LANE, LONDON - 31/1/2014

Half Moon Run...bringing diversity to the capitol. 
Photography - Joe Curtis.

HALF MOON RUN - LIVE AT ROUGH TRADE EAST, LONDON - 31/1/2014

By Gareth Hack.

Early Friday evening in East London was miserable, wet, windy and cold. But there was something worth heading out for, Half Moon Run had returned for a brief visit to the UK to make their presence known both on Radio 1's Live Lounge and to do a one off record store show at Rough Trade East. There is something quite special about in-store performances and this show was a perfect example to back up that statement. An atmosphere of genuine excitement was noticeable as smiling fans swiftly filled up the floor in front of the tiny stage set up. Moments later, the lights dimmed and the band took to the stage much to the delight of the cheering audience. The good old British weather was no issue for the people at Rough Trade,  they were here to check out a band that have gained real attention off critics recently and they didn't leave regretting it. The band open the set with electronic influenced '21 Gun Salute', and with the inclusion of all members makes a real impact as it builds to the chorus. Lead singer Devon Portielje belting out his vocals from the get go with the harmony backing throughout the set added by all members. Devon, Conner Molander, Dylan Phillips and Isaac Symonds have a collective sound that they should be proud of. Contributing individual musicianship qualities for the benefit of producing good songs is what this young band have already managed to achieve in a short space of time. As each song finishes up the crowd are more than happy to tell the band how much they appreciate them, which the band themselves seemed to enjoy. A short, but sweet set was exactly what Half Moon Run needed to pull off on this trip and that's what they did. Personal highlights in the set included the delicate Jeff Buckley similarity perceived in 'Unofferable' and the slick tempo in 'She Wants To Know'. Half Moon Run have been known for their lengthy touring schedules and as a result they have earned themselves the ability to master these songs from their debut album. Like I said before, there seems an honest atmosphere at the show and as Devon explains to the crowd how he cut his finger and bled all over his guitar last time he played in London it becomes clear that the intimacy of shows like this are hard to come by. A relaxed band and a relaxed audience are a great combination as it almost seems like all pressure has been taken and stripped back to its basics, with no hidden agendas. 'Full Circle' gains the biggest cheer of the evening and people are singing it back to the band word for word. 'Call Me In The Afternoon' with its catchy pop assets and impressive rhythmic qualities also have the same effect on the record store audience. Throughout the set the band look like they really enjoy what they do, moving about the stage, chatting between songs easily and smiling away as if they had just stumbled across a sound that they feel genuinely content with. At the end of the set Devon announces the group's next return to the UK will be during Summer and its the perfect way to end a show with a crowd that seems to want more. This show as a whole ticked all the boxes for me, intimate, relaxed, good sound, honest and genuine. This for me, is what live music is all about.

HALF MOON RUN - DARK EYES REVIEW

HALF MOON RUN - DARK EYES (INDICA RECORDS) 2012


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