Half Moon Run: Sun Leads Me On

So, we here at Plum HQ are back for a round-2-full-on-review of Canadian indie-folk/indie-rock group Half Moon Run, following the release of their second album “Sun Leads Me On”, that came out last Friday. I am pleased to tell you that since our previous review of their single ‘I Can’t Figure Out What’s Going On’, the quartet are still keeping our ear buds chirpy and satisfied, as the new album is utterly enchanting.

Introducing us to the album is ‘Warmest Regards’, and the track title is a perfect fit. Sprightly flute melodies and kick-back groovy guitar solos lay out a relaxed and bright welcoming feeling for the listener, which only continues with the addition of jolly trumpets and lead singer Devon Portielje’s soothing vocals. As all these factors entwine in one another, the song builds up into a dreamy whirlwind, submerging you in cheerful sounds, before it unwinds back down, leaving you wanting more.

Next up for play is our pre-guaranteed success song ‘I Can’t Figure Out What’s Going On’, which just gets better and better each time you hit the play button. It’s a captivating and motivating anthem, driving you to feel something nostalgic within yourself and change your perception on something for the better (however poetically pretentious that may sound).

‘Consider Yourself’ is a track that I’d never expect from Half Moon Run, but nevertheless it is fantastic. The combination of banging drums with 80’s sounding keyboard and rough-n-raw vocals forms a rock power ballad intensity that is simply awesome- this sound is definitely something to be admired.

‘Turn Your Love’ makes emotions run high as its chaotically beautiful piano melodies cascade heavily, echoing the haunting yet soft vocals of the band, lighting up a feeling of reminiscence and longing of something. This continues into the album-titled track “Sun Leads Me On”, where mellow guitar notes sparks a sense of homesick and wander- more of a return to the bands sad yet bewitching original sound.

The 10th number of the album, ‘Throes’, is a 55 second long daydream, and a totally stunning piano masterpiece; once again keeping with Half Moon Run’s apparent theme of nostalgia. It flows perfectly into my personal favourite song  ‘Devil May Care’, where the boys full circle their way back round to their classic folk roots, as the piece radiates happy and gleeful vibes through its simplistic acoustic guitar usage. The album ends on a high note, as ‘Trust’ takes you into an almost psych-rock aura of pure awe and wonder through magical synth sounds and razor sharp drumming.

‘Sun Leads Me On’ by Half Moon Run is now available to buy online or in-store, and is currently streaming on Spotify. My advice?- Go forth and invest yourself in what this band has to offer, and I can only promise that you won’t be disappointed.

8.5/10