Released 7 years ago this November
A Blemish in the Great Light
Half Moon Run · 2019
40 min · 10 tracks · indie rock
A rich tapestry of harmonies intertwines with introspective lyrics, creating a dynamic exploration of emotional landscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Favourite Boy — This track showcases an infectious melody paired with poignant lyrics about unrequited love, capturing the album's thematic essence beautifully.
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Natural Disaster — The song's driving rhythm contrasts with its reflective lyrics, embodying the tension between personal turmoil and external chaos.
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Razorblade — At over seven minutes, this track allows for an expansive exploration of mood and sound, highlighting the band's adventurous spirit and musical complexity.
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New Truth — The closing track encapsulates the album's overarching themes of resilience and self-discovery, making it a powerful conclusion to their sonic journey.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with varied arrangements and emotional depth.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that build in intensity, while the fourth track introduces a more subdued arrangement with minimal instrumentation.
- Several tracks incorporate shifts in tempo and dynamics, such as 'Black Diamond,' which transitions from a slow ballad to an upbeat section.
- The album closes with 'New Truth,' which features an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades out, creating a reflective ending.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing with reflective moments
- introspective lyrics for deep thinking
- climactic build towards emotional release
- for evening unwind sessions
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek high-energy party anthems
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When 'A Blemish in the Great Light' was released in November 2019, Half Moon Run was solidifying their presence in the indie rock scene after their previous albums, including 'Dark Eyes' and 'Sun Leads Me On.' This third album marked a continuation of their evolving sound and lyrical depth, showcasing their growth as musicians and songwriters.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Fleet Foxes· Bon Iver· Local Natives
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Then Again 3:19
- 2 Favourite Boy 4:02
- 3 Flesh and Blood 4:57
- 4 Natural Disaster 3:43
- 5 Black Diamond 2:59
- 6 Yani's Song 2:41
- 7 Razorblade 7:26
- 8 Undercurrents 2:18
- 9 Jello on My Mind 3:52
- 10 New Truth 5:08
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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