There is a lovely ambience for April Moon’s show at the Arts Bar in Liverpool. After a mountainous climb up the stairs to reach Studio 3, my anxious mind is put at ease by mixed seating – a choice of table or row – in a space that exudes friendly and welcoming. Their support act, Kirzy, adds to the chilled atmosphere, opening with a summer mix of pop-heavy Country and cool-sounding Folk. ‘Cappuccino Girl’ and ‘Island Life’ both match his beach-ready look, while ‘Visiting Soon’ and ‘Feeling Blue’ reveal a more serious and heartfelt side. He is joined by his travelling companion Becky Gilman on fiddle for the final two songs, bringing an extra layer of emotionality to ‘Beautiful People’. Comparisons with Noah Kahan cannot help but be made, not least with ‘Bucket List’. His set illustrates something of the variety that is to come.
It is a barnstorming start from April Moon. They are a high-octane act, with a set-list that crosses a number of genres on the musical spectrum. ‘Days Go By’ is a great example of their penchant for classic rock, on this occasion mixing with Blues in a nod to the Rolling Stones. Then ‘Part of the Game’ draws out their Saskatchewan roots, combining with an Irish influence and channelling (given it’s played pre-match at Anfield) a dextrous roar. A twist on Bluegrass that is followed by more traditional Country fare (though funk and rock feed themselves in regularly to maintain an entertainingly eclectic sound).
‘Long May We Roam’, their latest single, offers a different side to them again. Its bright and cheery Americana is a lovely contrast to the angst and anger of ‘My List of Living Things’. The audacity in the electric guitar here is dutifully menacing, with grunge and metal weaving their way in to strengthen the narrative voice. ‘One of Us was Lying’ features similar but far more subtle sounds, sandwiched in between a more classic Country style. As-yet unreleased ‘Uptown Lady’ showcases Jaime April’s storytelling prowess while ‘The Lord Hath Taken Away’ could be a modern take on The Carter Family songbook. And if there weren’t enough styles already in their musical repertoire, ‘Robert Cane’ contains some remnants of psychedelic pop that seems to perforate into the songs of most Liverpool-based artists.
Kirzy and Becky Gilman join April Moon for an extended finale featuring three covers learnt in double-quick time. It is the final of those, ‘Wagon Wheel’, that is most special, revealing the friendship that exists between the four. Having met in Fuerteventura, they undoubtedly carry that life with them into what becomes a moment of genuine pleasure. They cannot hide the fun they’re having, and neither should they. The audience call for a second encore tells them that they have had just as much fun too.
You can find April Moon on BandCamp. For upcoming gigs, visit MusicGlue.
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