Half Moon Run is a trio of musicians hailing from Canada. Their debut album Dark Eyes has seen the band build considerable buzz through performances at SXSW, CMW and Great Escape.
Their experimental blend of pop, folk, subtle hints of electronica and classical components leaves little doubt that the bands plaudits are not amiss.
The fast paced lyrics on opener ‘Full Circle’ and harmonies on single ‘Call Me In The Afternoon’ quickly brings to mind another member of the class of 2012, Alt-J.
Both do fuse different genre’s together brillianty, although Half Moon Run’s use of electronica isn’t quite as bonkers with a style that doesn’t sound anywhere near as obscure as the British quartet.
But it’s Devon Portielje’s vocals that are a key component of the bands’ like-ability.
The prowess of Portielje’s voice – which fits somewhere between Jeff Buckley and James Walsh of Starsailor – is best heard on standout ‘She Wants to Know’.
While the first half of the album is heavier with an indie rock focus, as of the the ballad midpoint in ‘Need It’ things are decidedly more low key.
From the strings on ‘Need It’ to the solemn ‘Fire Escape’, Dark Eyes broods with a broken heart.
This complex and solid first effort leaves the band open to find their definitive style on future releases.
With the light electronica of ’21 Gun Salute’ closing the record, who knows just what heights the band might reach, both stylistically and popularity?
