Tag: Canadian alternative rock artists

Review : Half Moon Run – Dark Eyes

Half Moon Run Dark Eyes

1. Full Moon
2. Call Me In The Afternoon
3. No More Losing The War
4. She Wants To Want
5. Need It
6. Give Up
7. Judgement
8. Unofferable
9. Drug You
10. Nerve
11. Fire Escape
12. 21 Gun Salute

Devon Portielje (vocals/drums/guitars), Conner Molander (vocals, guitar, keys), Dylan Phillips (vocals, drums, keys) and Isaac Symonds (vocals, drums, keys, guitar) -aka HALF MOON RUN- are on the verge of releasing their album, Dark Eyes (through Glassnote / Communion / Island Records).

The twelve-track production was first released in Canada March last year, but as been remastered and remixed for global release. Already available in France (through Polydor Records) and in United States (through Glasstone Records), Dark Eyes will be available to the UK and the rest of Europe today.

The four-piece folk-rock act came together in the most unlikely situation – they met in Montreal on a Craigslist list ad. However after listening to their album several times, they sound like a band that has a special bond from high school.

Darks Eyes offers an infusion of 60s inspired soft folk, rock and which is topped off angelic harmonies – they really put me in the mind of COLDPLAY and perhaps DR HOOK? When I listen to Dark Eyes, I was greeted with such infusion in Full Circle, Call Me In The Afternoon and No More Losing The War. Halfway through the production, I was met with roaring guitars and melodic bass line in She Wants to Know and for the first time, I really appreciate Portielje’s vocals, which turned from ultra mellow to gusty. The gutsy vocals brought the whole production together. My absolute favourites are Give up, Judgement and Nerve (this song reminds me of Dr Hook) where there is a little funk added that folk and rock.

I have to say that Dark Eyes took me by surprise as (I have to admit) I’m not a massive fan of folk music. However after listening to this album, I’ll more open-minded about folk music and I’d be more than happy to listen to this album over and over again, as it perfect for those warm summer nights.

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Weekend Riot Club – PSYCHOTROPIA

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1. Drink Up
2. Hell (I Wanna Kiss You)
3. Things Are Looking Up Again
4. Fly Away
5. Red Light Green Light
6. Come Back Home
7. I Will Carry You
8. Night to Remember
9. Give It All
10. Stick Around
11. Again And Again
12. Perfect Night

They scooped the Best Alternative Rock Act at Toronto’s Independent Music Awards in 2012 as well as being nominated for Best New Act at Hamilton Music Awards in the same year. They even shared the stage with heavyweights, such as The Spin Doctors and Sex Pistol’s Glen Matlock- it’s hard to believe that Melissa Marchese (lead vocals), Mike Chetcuti (guitar and vocals) and Paul Fontes (Drums) aka WEEKEND RIOT CLUB started out in 2010.

No doubt, the Ontario rockers’ roaring success will continue with their first full-length album PSYCHOTROPIA. Released earlier this month,  there’s two sides to this 12 track production: You have the in-your-face, full on rock as demonstrated in Drink Up, Red Light, Green Light, Come Back Home and Give It All. Personally I’m a big fan of a softer and mellow side of PSYCHOTROPIA.  The-pick-me- up track, I Will Carry You, offer words of encouragement that you can listen to over and over when you need scraping off the floor (excuse the expression!) If you get a chance to listen to the album, go straight to the last track Perfect Night, as it’s simply magical. Marchese’s vocals (which are usually throaty and gutsy) turn all soft and full of emotion, which works really well with the lone guitar. I know I mentioned it before, but it’s simply magical!

So have a listen of PSYCHOTROPIA and see if you like the explosive or mellow side of the album (answers below please!) In the meantime, here’s another one of my favourite songs, Things Are Looking Up Again.

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