Half Moon Run Have Made Their Return… And It’s Everything We Hoped For

Half Moon Run, Canadian indie-rock-folk multi-instrumentalist sensations, have returned to music after more than a year’s hiatus, first with new single “Then Again”, and now with hit “Flesh and Blood”. 

For long-time Half Moon Run fans such as myself, their return has been comfortingly nostalgic, with the new tracks clearly harking back to the effortless harmonic layering, bell-clear lead vocal and stadium-level folk rock stylings of old favourites like “Full Circle” and “Call Me In The Afternoon”. 

However, the new releases also have a freshness to them, conjured up first by the slightly darker undertone of “Then Again”, and then in the experimental synth and psych-rock tones in “Flesh and Blood”. Riding on an acoustic guitar strum and filled-out piano chords, “Flesh and Blood” sees lead vocalist Devon Portielje’s trademark dynamic vocals take centre stage, among a delicately layered amalgamation of harmonies and influences. It is a compassionate and earnest listen with a message worth unravelling. 

The dreamy singles are definitely building the hype for their upcoming album ‘A Blemish In The Great Light’, which is set for release on November 1st.

Drummer/multi-instrumentalist Dylan Phillips said of the album, "I think this album still has the sound people expect from us, balanced with more experimentation. We’ve been diving deep into some styles that we haven’t necessarily explored before. Things get a little heavier, a little harder." 

Half Moon Run has also expanded their already impressive tour itinerary into 2020, adding another 20 international headline shows. The band have also partnered with PLUS1 once again, so that $1 from every ticket sold will go to Project Peanut Butter (PPB) and the treatment of severe acute malnutrition through effective, locally produced, ready-to-use therapeutic foods. While there are no Australian tour dates yet, the band’s consistent appearances on our shores over the years assures us that they will be coming soon.

Whether this new era will remind us of the old Half Moon Run, or introduce us to an entirely new one, we are excited!