Devon Portielje: Vocals, guitars, drums
Conner Molander: Vocals, guitars, keyboard
Dylan Phillips: Vocals, drums, keyboard
In the past two weeks, I reviewed
two artists, Paul McCartney and Arcade Fire, who are in the spotlight of
today’s popular music. However, this week I will be discussing an artist who
isn’t exactly recognized by the mainstream audience, but has created buzz on
several continents. The artist is Half Moon Run, a Canadian rock trio that formed
in April 2010. Originating from Montreal, the three members transformed from
three young Canadian men with time constraints and little money to a rock trio
that’s spreading their name and touring in several parts of the world. The band
has been recognized after opening for artists like Metric, Of Monsters &
Men, and Mumford & Sons on their tours. Half Moon Run’s music is a mixture
of pop, indie rock, progressive rock, and folk rock, with impressive harmonies,
use of electronics, and “delicate guitar sounds” (“Half Moon Run”). In July
2013, Half Moon Run released their debut LP, “Dark Eyes”, in the United States,
which I listened to recently.
As I was listening to the first couple of tracks of "Dark Eyes", I thought the entire album was going have an experimental, soft rock sound with fast vocals. However, as I continued to listen, I was surprised to find most of the songs were musically diverse. Several critics claim the album borrows elements from artists like Radiohead, Band of Horses, and Fleet Foxes. For example, according to Andy Welch, writer of NME Magazine, the opening track, "Full Circle" is similar to Fleet Foxes due to the band's arpeggios and layered arrangements. Also, I believe the vocals, fast-paced beats, and electronics on "21 Gun Salute" and "Give Up" are similar to the sound of the Radiohead's "In Rainbows" album. On the other hand, "Call Me in the Afternoon" has a folk sound, while "Need It" has a blues sound. The third track, "No More Losing the War" sets a moody tone with lyrics that reflect frustration after losing someone. The lyrics express emotional themes such as addiction and relationship frustration. Overall, Half Moon Run's debut record is a tremendous debut, deserves more attention from music lovers, and has tracks like "She Wants to Know" that I believe may be acceptable for mainstream radio.
"Half Moon Run - About" Facebook, n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2013.
<http://www.facebook.com/halfmoonrun/info>
"Half Moon Run" Biography. Indica Records, n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2013.
<http://halfmoonrun.indica.mu/en/biography/>
"Half Moon Run - 'Dark Eyes' Half Moon Tickets." NME.COM, n.d. Web. 09 Nov.
2013. <http://www.nme.com/reviews/half-moon-run/14554>
Young, Killian. "Half Moon Run Blend Voices on 'Dark Eyes' - Album Premiere."
Music. Rolling Stone, 16 July 2013. Web. 09 Nov. 2013
<http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/half-moon-run-blend-voices-on-dark- eyes-album-premiere-20130716>
As I was listening to the first couple of tracks of "Dark Eyes", I thought the entire album was going have an experimental, soft rock sound with fast vocals. However, as I continued to listen, I was surprised to find most of the songs were musically diverse. Several critics claim the album borrows elements from artists like Radiohead, Band of Horses, and Fleet Foxes. For example, according to Andy Welch, writer of NME Magazine, the opening track, "Full Circle" is similar to Fleet Foxes due to the band's arpeggios and layered arrangements. Also, I believe the vocals, fast-paced beats, and electronics on "21 Gun Salute" and "Give Up" are similar to the sound of the Radiohead's "In Rainbows" album. On the other hand, "Call Me in the Afternoon" has a folk sound, while "Need It" has a blues sound. The third track, "No More Losing the War" sets a moody tone with lyrics that reflect frustration after losing someone. The lyrics express emotional themes such as addiction and relationship frustration. Overall, Half Moon Run's debut record is a tremendous debut, deserves more attention from music lovers, and has tracks like "She Wants to Know" that I believe may be acceptable for mainstream radio.
Written by: John Dirscherl
Works Cited:
Works Cited:
"Half Moon Run - About" Facebook, n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2013.
<http://www.facebook.com/halfmoonrun/info>
"Half Moon Run" Biography. Indica Records, n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2013.
<http://halfmoonrun.indica.mu/en/biography/>
"Half Moon Run - 'Dark Eyes' Half Moon Tickets." NME.COM, n.d. Web. 09 Nov.
2013. <http://www.nme.com/reviews/half-moon-run/14554>
Young, Killian. "Half Moon Run Blend Voices on 'Dark Eyes' - Album Premiere."
Music. Rolling Stone, 16 July 2013. Web. 09 Nov. 2013
<http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/half-moon-run-blend-voices-on-dark- eyes-album-premiere-20130716>
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