“Sun Leads Me On” Half Moon Run
Second album from the Montreal-based quartet. The band follows up its well-received, largely folky Dark Eyes, with an album that covers much more ground musically. Styles range from Fleet Foxes-type folk-rock and Americana to kraut-rock and electro-pop-rock. Writing was split between two locations—urban, worldly Montreal and sunny, laid-back Southern California. Some of the songs take on a bit more of the California vibe, but on most it’s difficult to tell where they were written. With 13 selections and 48 minutes of music, this is a fabulous album. Highly recommended!
— Francis

Recommended: 8, 5, 2, 4, 7, 3, 1, and 13 ( if clean). FCCs on Track 13 (F-cked)

1. (3:15) Warmest Regards – Easy-going pop-rock in a style that’s very 1970s. Beatles-like harmonies. Flute. Distant trumpet and flugelhorn. Synth flourishes add a bit of a psyche feeling. Really nice starter! **
2. (3:15) I Can’t Figure Out What’s Going On – Mid- to up-tempo indie rock with orchestral support added in just the right measure. Jangly guitars. Big electric guitar solo. ****
3. (3:53) Consider Yourself – Manic, synth-driven kraut rock. Builds into a roaring rocker — with some electric piano and synth infused into the mix. ***
4. (3:52) Hands in the Garden – Soft, expressive and playful folk-rock. Closest track to Fleet Foxes. Cali influence. Adds musical layers throughout, including sunny Beach Boys-type harmonies and a Stevie Wonder-like harmonica solo. ***
5. (4:02) Turn Your Love – Electro-pop marked by a timekeeper synth bass line. Tense. Dense. Bell-like synth notes. Edgy guitar in lead break. Last minute of song wanders through a synth-y, psychedelic haze. ****
6. (4:11) Narrow Margins – Latin American-style, quickly fingerpicked guitar sets the table for a wistful chamber-pop tune. Crisp, airy vocals.
7. (4:06) Sun Leads Me On – Lush, rolling verses. Jangly guitar. Warm, rich harmonies. Very uplifting musically. ***
8. (4:07) It Works Itself Out – Urgent tom-tom-driven rhythm. Syncopated snare. Melody ebbs and flows. Falsetto backing vocals soar. ****
9. (5:01) Everybody Wants – Fingerpicked guitar. Falsetto lead vocals. Church-like choir. Synth orchestra. Song brightens and gains energy toward the end.
10. (0:54) Throes – Simple piano interlude.
11. (2:22) Devil May Care – Americana. Fingerpicked guitar. Colorful, almost spoken vocals and smart lyrics. Bob Dylan-like harmonica solo.
12. (4:01) The Debt – Starts as a ballad. Warbling synth chords and simple yearning vocals. But it builds to an overwhelming cacophonic opus with edgy electric guitar. Then ends quietly.
13. (4:50) Trust – Intriguing, inventive electro-pop. Pulsing synths mixed with intricate rhythm and occasional synth swirls. FCC – F-cked. Audacity “radio-clean” version included on separate disc — I think it should be acceptable. Preview first, if desired.