REVIEW: Half Moon Run at Albert Hall, Manchester

MONTREAL indie folk quartet, Half Moon Run took centre stage of Manchester’s very own Albert Hall on Friday night, infusing the interior with some pulsating grooves and raw, edgy vocals. Quays News entertainment reporter Charlotte Sumner went along…

Having just released their new album ‘Sun Leads Me On’, which followed up 2012’s ‘Dark Eyes’, it’s safe to say these lads have been on one incredibly successful journey, which will no doubt continue.

To warm up the show, 29-year-old Canadian singer-song writer Aidan Knight took to the mic, performing a short set to help get the energy flowing. Described as ‘experimental folk’, his music is flavourful with hints of subtle melancholia, easily drifting you off into a daydream enticed by his resonant voice. Knight’s music is perfect for that laidback, mellow Sunday morning.

Then, the most anticipated moment arrived: Half Moon Run was warmly welcomed to Albert Hall, with an array of applauses, cheers and wolf whistles. These were however, soon hushed down, when the four-piece band began to play ‘Warmest Regards’ the first track of their new album. Inflicting a soft, but compelling tone, the opener foreshadowed what was to be expected for the rest of the night.

https://twitter.com/ameliabux/status/711179302583320576

Similar sounding to Fleet Foxes, the harmonies produced live created a tranquil, chilled environment, which the crowd reacted to with swayed arms in perfect unison.

With singer Devon Portielje on vocals, guitar and percussion; Conner Molander on vocals, guitar and keyboard; Dylan Phillips on vocals, drums and keyboard; and Isaac Symonds on vocals, percussions, mandolin, keyboard and guitar, the chemistry and stage presence amongst them all was overwhelmingly pleasing to witness, as they bounced of each others, and the audience’s vibes.

Members of the crowed varied from young teens, University students and bearded hipsters, to middle aged men and women, as well as lots of couples embracing one and other.

Amazing gig last night with @halfmoonrun Head to our Facebook for the full album https://t.co/kl2EMMzlDp pic.twitter.com/xn2bOjYrPw

— Albert Hall (@Alberthallmcr) March 19, 2016

Next up was also a new track, ‘Turn your love’: the electronic guitar strumming and vibrant synths emphasised the differences from their old album, to new. Additionally, the growth and change of their music is further reinforced, creating a rather foreboding atmosphere through the lyrics “I don’t feel the strongest singing my own songs / And I used to, baby” suggesting the bands possible uncertainty towards the transition, shown in ‘Sun Leads Me On’.

Notably, the last three songs of the night were favoured most. ‘Trust’ really got the crowd breaking out in a boogie, with a rather psychedelic feel, and strobes of pink and blue hues added, this feel good song inevitably ended the night on an ultimate high.

‘Full Circle’, a single from the old album, instantly struck a nerve with its vivid and emotive lyrics, alluding to a viscous cycle of self-destructive behaviour and addiction. Portielje’s strong vocals provided the right level of sentiment to surge the crowd into a frenzy of light dancing, whilst singing back each and every word.

To sum up, Half Moon Run are the type of band you’d want to listen to on a long road journey, or to help relax and rewind after a lengthy day at work. Though some of the tracks sound repetitive instrumentally, it’s what makes Half Moon Run so loveable.

Without a doubt, these bunch of lads are hardworking, passionate and outstandingly talented. Download both their albums, I can assure you they’re worth every penny.