An English band from Montreal the only criticism I have was how haphazardly they were dressed considering they were supposed to be entertaining a crowd that likely wasn't familiar with them. Rolled up cargo sweat pants? Wife beater? Unkempt, shaggy hair? Besides their appearance I was altogether impressed with Half Moon Run's live show as it translated much better live for some reason than any of the recorded tracks I've heard. A three-piece with electric guitar, keys and electric, plus a drummer who also sometimes played keys simultaneously with this drums. Both singers had dual mics, one for reverb effects. They powered along and pulled out their mini hit Full Circle mid-way through the set, including a wicked introduction on the acoustic guitar. Clean yourselves up and I'll see ya at Hillside!
I've got some pretty good ideas of why Wintersleep's club gigs are as amazing as they are but the full effect escapes me. For starters how did such talented musicians all come together in the small city of Halifax? I have to figure that they began as mediocre musicians and in their decade-plus together have pushed each other to the levels that they are now at. Every member is a stellar musician and when they rock out in the middle of a song it can be transcendental. Having been together so long they are making some of the best music of their career as Hello Hum is one of their strongest releases in band's history and easily one of the best Canadian albums of this year. Not only is the album amazing but it translates live too - opener Hum also opened the set, followed in order by single In Came the Flood and no one in the just about sold out Lee's Palace was complaining about new material. That being said people sure did appreciate the inclusion of Archaeologist and Weighty Ghost (so good!) too. Really it is difficult to pick out highlights as the catalog their are culling from is great and the wizardy with which they bring it to life makes the entire thing a sight to be seen. I greedily count myself lucky that they have not blown up beyond club proportions yet as their club shows are such treats that I find myself beaming at multiple point throughout. The build and pay-off of Welcome to the Night Sky and main set closer Miasmal Smoke & the Yellow Bellied Freaks gives most any live song out there a run for its money. And when a band can come back from a stellar set and encore with the likes of Orca, a singalong to Dead Letter & the Infinite Yes and then close it all down with Jaws of Life, you know you've witnessed something special.
Other songs:
Resuscitate
Murderer
Smoke
Nothing is Anything (Without You)
Oblivion
Permanent Sigh
Laser Beams
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