Coinciding with the release of their new album Sun Leads Me On, Canadian indie-rock four-piece Half Moon Run are currently embarking on a tour of the UK. I caught their set at the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds, an intimate little venue which boasts an excellent PA system – ideal for the clean and tightly percussive sounds of Half Moon Run.
A charming group named Emilie & Ogden, also hailing from Montreal, Canada, offered a half-hour set as support. They consist of Emilie Kahn on vocals and harp, Dominic Lalonde on guitar, bass and vocals, and Francis Ledoux on drums. I don’t recall ever seeing a harp being played live in a gig context before, but it was certainly unique; Kahn’s skillful pairing of intricate harp melodies and her striking voice worked beautifully. Backed up by bass and drums, the overall effect was minimalist yet magically pure.
Their set perfectly set up the atmosphere for Half Moon Run, who opened with their energetic new song ‘Turn Your Love’. Known for their three and four-part harmonies, with each band member having their own mic, together they delivered gorgeously dissonant vocals, behind lead singer Devon Portielje. To everyone there, Portielje’s passion certainly came across in his facial expressions and body language. At times it was gentle, other times rather obtrusive and a little bit cringe-worthy. The band was highly enthusiastic throughout their set, often jumping up and down, but the crowd weren’t. It was nice to see them getting so engrossed in performing, but, in my opinion, I think you’d have to be a little bit drunk to get into it fully – all in all it’s just safe, friendly indie music.
That being said, the talent in this band is undeniable. Their songs are a conglomeration of driving percussion, reverb-soaked guitar, impeccable harmonies, a dash of harmonica and frequent falsetto lines. Their lyrics are sweet, sometimes cliché, sometimes genuinely moving – testified by the random woman who shouted ‘love those lyrics!’ when all was quiet. Apart from that moment, we were apparently an ‘attentive’ audience, particularly during the overtly folk-y ‘Devil May Care’, where Devon and Conner slowed it down with a vintage microphone and a 1920s guitar. For me, the standout tracks were a mixture of the ethereal slower ones, such as the new album’s title track ‘Sun Leads Me On’, and the livelier upbeat songs like the heavily percussive ‘Drug You’ and ‘Call Me in the Afternoon’, which drew a fantastic response from the crowd.
Despite the fact that their music is pretty safe, musically and lyrically, that in no way diminishes their flair for beautiful harmonies, intertwining instrumental melodies and tight drum beats, watching them all demonstrate their multi-instrumental abilities.. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, especially after a drink – it was relatively easy to become immersed in the shimmery sounds of Half Moon Run.
Words by Zia Larty-Healy