Half Moon Run – Sun Leads Me On
(Photo by Yani Clarke; courtesy of Indica)
3.5/5
More than three years after their first album, Canadian folk-rock band Half Moon Run have finally released their second studio album, titled Sun Leads Me On. Popularity and anticipation has been building steadily since their debut as they played numerous tour stops, such as Ottawa Bluesfest in 2013 and Osheaga in 2014. This album was − for the most part − worth the long wait. It has the same heavy percussion and wide selection of instruments as Dark Eyes, but with more of a folk influence. The Montreal-based band has narrowed their sound slightly, getting away from the fun experimental feel of their older music.
The first three tracks build in tempo and depth from the mellow rock harmonics of “Warmest Regards” to the drum-heavy “Consider Yourself”. Then “Hands In The Garden” starts out softer and throws in some unexpected string instruments towards the end to compliment the uplifting lyrics. Unanticipated dynamic elements like that are what makes Half Moon Run great, and they really came though on that song.
(Photo by Yani Clarke; courtesy of Indica)
“Turn Your Love” and the drums in “It Works Itself Out” take it back to the earlier style of their first album. Sun Leads Me On as a whole is less upbeat and more folk-based than Dark Eyes, but without holding back the classic Half Moon Run ethereal rock spin.
The title track has aspects of that as well, but with a smoother, more melodic sound. The vocalist almost croons the somewhat generic lyrics about freedom and nature – perfect for a late summer afternoon road trip. “Everybody Wants” has that slow build of vocals and percussion Half Moon Run is known for, but again, the lyrics don’t say anything that hasn’t been said before.
Next up is a mournful, contrasting 54-second piano solo before they almost completely abandon the “rock” component of their indie folk-rock genre with the upbeat “Devil May Care”. With this song they go nearly full folk, both melodically and lyrically. Then things take a melancholy turn with the penultimate song “The Debt” before stepping up the beat with fast-paced and catchy “Trust”.
Overall, Sun Leads Me On is good, but not groundbreaking. There are a few songs you’ll want to hear over and over again, like “Hands In The Garden” and the title track; a few others even have potential to grow on you over time; however, most of it was underwhelming.
Head to their website to discover more of their music and buy the new record.
