Half Moon Run Break Our Hearts with "Look Me in the Eyes"

It’s no secret that we adore Half Moon Run here at The Music Files. It should be no surprise, then, that we are quite excited to review yet another one of their gorgeous songs -- “Look Me in the Eyes,” which serves as the third single from their upcoming EP “Seasons of Change.” The track will be the band’s second release after the departure of longtime band member Isaac Symonds; while the group is on good terms with their former band mate, the melancholy single feels timely as they reflect on heartbreak.

“Look Me in the Eyes” begins dramatically before slowing into a meek folk song; it feels like the perfect metaphor for the demise of a relationship, as everything feels panicked when things begin to sour, only for the two partners to slowly drift apart from each other. The delicate guitar picking and atmospheric production set the mood for a soothing, yet heartbreaking tale of a couple who have drifted to the point of being unable to look each other in the eyes. Although the song itself is sonically gentle and soft, the lyrics are devastating: “You can’t look me in the eyes/You act so unsurprised/You don’t have to understand what I’m going through.” Right away, we can hear how separate the two lovers are, modelling an antithesis to what a healthy relationship should look like. The signature multi-layered vocals make the track even more haunting, adding a beautiful eeriness to the melancholia.

While we won’t be able to experience a live show anytime soon, we already know this will be a gorgeous staple to Half Moon Run’s live sets. As you listen, you can almost see a crowd flood a dark venue with bright lights, singing back the chorus in a beautiful, choir-like manner. It may take some imagination for now, but we are keen to see the band in action soon.