SWX, Bristol – 14th September
After four years and one cancelled show, Canadian multi-instrumentalists Half Moon Run found their way back to SWX Bristol. The band is one member down since their last performance in Bristol, and while the additional percussion and vocals are missed in places, the classically trained trio has more than made up for it. A two-piece drum kit consisting of a tom and a cymbal is placed next to Devon, and the additional space on stage is used by the trio to engage with each other, the audience, and the music, as they are seen moving to all corners of the stage.
Devon, Conner, and Dylan don’t just whip out a multitude of instruments throughout their performance, but all three members are vocalists who harmonize beautifully together for the majority of the show. The setlist features 8 out of 11 tracks from their latest album ‘Salt’, including the title track, all of which are well-received by the crowd. The band briefly speaks of the recording process of this album and how they had to navigate the challenges created by the COVID-19 restrictions that were in place at the time.
Despite the large chunk of new tracks on the setlist, the depth of their previous work is also explored through fan favourites and hits. While the number of songs from their debut album “Dark Eyes” has been significantly decreased since their last show in Bristol, nothing feels out of place or missed. The halfway point of the show is marked by “Call Me In The Afternoon,” and the song from their platinum debut record is warmly welcomed by the crowd once the first notes are played. The multi-instrumentalists have created an atmosphere where the world outside the room is briefly on hold. Not much later, all three members huddle around one microphone to join forces. The lyrics of “Devil May Care” echo through the room, leaving the audience completely in awe of the performance, so much so that one could hear a needle drop. The harmonies are accompanied by the acoustic guitar and a harmonica.
Yet their time on stage isn’t exclusively filled with emotional guitar riffs, vocal harmonies, and drum solos, but also includes a sprinkle of humour. A fan holds up a pair of oven mitts, and the band quickly points out that these were once sold as Half Moon Run merchandise. The mitts find their way up on stage to be shown to the entire audience, with the comment that they are not recommended for carrying hot dishes or plates as they don’t work. This playful moment provides a fresh breath of air between the dark, heavy emotional tracks being played.
Overall, the indie-rock/folk trio delivers an outstanding performance that takes you on an emotional journey of their musical career. Their stage presence showcases their passion and joy for being on stage, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in the room, whether they are fans, venue employees, or casual concert-goers. Half Moon Run is an artist not to be missed live, and the packed SWX venue proves that time after time.
Role: Photographer, Reviewer
Qualifications: First Class BA (hons) degree in Music Business at BIMM Bristol, first year certificate (Propedeuse) in Journalism at the University of Applied Sciences Utrecht
Available for: gigs, shoots (mainly portraits) and tours!
First gig attended: technically Guus Meeuwis when I was younger (Dutch pop artist), first gig I bought a ticket for with my own money was One Direction on their Where We Are tour, but first ‘proper’ gig was Foals and Everything Everything in Amsterdam in 2016!
First shoot: Frank and Beans at The Crofters Rights early 2022, but first photo pass was Mayday Parade, Real Friends and As It Is at the Marble Factory on June 1st 2022
Dream gig: there are a couple of line-ups that I would love so it’s hard to choose, but I’d love to shoot Harry Styles one day
