Friday, January 31st saw Montreal indie-rockers Half Moon Run bring their ‘A Blemish in the Great Light’ World tour to TD Place in Ottawa.  Their 19-song set was a melange of music from their previous 2 albums along with their November 2019 release. Early in the eve, Devon Protielje exclaimed “This is a good place to be Ottawa” and indeed he was right. The night ebbed and flowed as they wove through the songs that shaped their set.  From the opening crescendo builds that bind “21 Gun Salute”, to the softer silken harmonies of “Need It”, to the formidably heavier moments in “She Wants To Know”, there was a particularly pleasing oscillation in intensity. This was amplified by the talents of a string quartet accompanying them, at times ethereally emerging from the shadows of the stage.

Notably, there were some non-music moments that had uplifting qualities that made the night even more memorable. Gratitude was expressed by the band to their fans, for this was their first headline arena show, and sold out no less. Also, the band recognized their tour manager, Doug, for he happily found out that day he was going to be a Dad. Also, the sheer glee in the face of a little tyke as he rose from the stands and giggled to the audience’s applause, after being acknowledged by the band for contributing his “cooing” to the intro of “Razorblade”.

After a standing ovation for the original 3-song encore, the band returned with an acoustic  gather ‘round one mic performance of “Sun Leads Me On”. A well chosen end to an indelible evening. Last Fall, Half Moon Run was nominated for a Juno award for Adult Alternative Album of the Year, an accolade last night’s performance underscored is so well deserved.

Opening the evening was Winnipeg-native Taylor Janzen. This young artist, guitar in hand, came to the stage with a story to tell and beautifully balanced voice to express it.  At 20 years old, this accomplished singer-songwriter has 2 critically acclaimed EPs under her belt, and her recent release “What I Do..” was recognized as a critical cut by SiriusXM.   Though the Ottawa show represented her last stop on this tour, after a brief sojourn Half Moon Run continues with European dates the end of February through March, before being back in Montreal for 2 sold out shows for a home-town crowd.

more photos from the show