The Lone Bellow’s vocal melodies have never failed to delight, and their 2020 effort Half Moon Light is no exception. This album marked a turning point from a pure folk-country sound into more of a psychedelic gospel sound, doubling down on their eclectic influences that reach deep into a bag of tricks and come out with a fistful of gold. All of the elements that made the band great in the early years are here, but undeniably evolved. And in tracks like “Wonder” and “Count On Me” you can really hear the influence of producer Aaron Dessner of The National, who takes The Lone Bellow’s penchant for letting a song build, and lets them to let it build, and build, and build some more until it hits an emotional crescendo that crashes over you like a wave.
This band sounds like old school Americana, updated and evolved for the 21st century, songwriting as timeless as it is fresh and new. A great record front to back.
Standout Songs: “Good Times”, “Count On Me”, “Martingales”, Wash It Clean”
