Sun Leads Me On, is the latest stunning effort from Canadian rockers Half Moon Run. A follow on from their 2012 record Dark Eyes and comes off the back of two years of touring the world (which included an Aussie visit back in 2012 and appearances at Woodford and Peats Ridge Festival)
The band’s Dyaln Phillips explains the formation of this record “Sun Leads Me On came from a place that felt a little bit like being underwater,” says Dylan. “You kept powering through because ultimately it was worth it. You had this beautiful thing, this wonderful chance, but through a lot of darkness, losing lots of friends, having struggled at home, losing your sense of home, trying to let the music guide you but having trouble even finding that. There was a lot of struggle in this, but at the same time the sun just keeps pulling you forward, and you just keep powering through and trying to find beauty in what you do.”
And finding beauty they have! The album was recorded in Bathouse Studios, Ontario with Nyles Spencer and producer Jim Abbiss (Arctic Monkeys, Adele, Kasabian, Bombay Bicycle Club, & Temper Trap) and sees the guys push their sound to new unexplored depths while still maintaing the iconic Half Moon Run sound.
To really find out what music shaped Half Moon Run’s stunning sound we chatted with the guys about the records that have shaped them.
Patrick Watson – Love Songs for Robots
2015, Domino
Patrick Watson (and his band) have been some big influences for us. We toured with them in Europe / USA / Canada and have become good friends in Montreal.
Their originality and musicality both recorded and live tend to leave us with jaws dropped. Love Songs for Robots is my most frequently spun record at home currently. (Dylan)
Stars Of The Lid – And Their Refinement Of The Decline
2007, Kranky Records
This is an amazing ambient album. I often use it in a functional way as a sleeping aid and to de-stress. When I was living in difficult circumstances for a while, I would put this album on and it seemed to reframe my experience of life as if it were in a film — softening the edges.
Beyond that, there is great mastery of arrangements and tones. Despite many listens I still discover new elements regularly. (Devon)
Burial – Untrue
2007, Hyperdub
This album has been a huge influence for all of us. I particularly love the lo-fi, saturated drum tones, with the undeniable beats. The mood of this album is dark and groovy.
It was the soundtrack as I would bike home each night from our rehearsal space in Montreal while writing Sun Leads Me On. Untrue has a permanent spot on my playlist. (Isaac)
Van Morrison – Astral Weeks
1968, Warner Brothers
There’s something magical about this album…it sounds very spontaneous, like it came flowing straight out of an ancient Celtic spirit.
The lyrics are mystical yet lucid, and Van Morrison’s vocals are wonderfully soulful. It just drifts on and on like a dream, and I love it more with every listen. (Conner)
Bob Dylan – Bringing It All Back Home
1965, Columbia
The first side is good, but the second side is some of the most powerful songwriting that I’ve ever heard.
Resonant, timeless, prophetic. Just listen to the sorrowful longing in his voice in “it’s all over now, baby blue”, in my opinion, this is Bob Dylan at the peak of his powers. (Conner)
