XPN Fest Recap: Lo Moon brings expansive epics to the River Stage

Lo Moon | photo by Ashley Gellman for WXPN | agellmanphotos.com

Although Lo Moon‘s debut self-titled album was only released earlier this year, the band nonetheless drew an enthused crowd to watch them rock the #XPNFest River Stage Sunday afternoon. No one seemed to mind the heat and afternoon sun beating down on them as the crowd filled up the area. The LA based band showed their love for Philadelphia and XPN, and they gave the audience a great show with their beautifully ambient sound.

Lo Moon started their set on a quieter note, preforming “This Is It,” a song that starts off slow and eventually builds up. The crowd went quiet as soon as they started playing, intent on enjoying the show. Many of Lo Moon’s songs make good use of unique sounds, the organ, and a contrasting song structure from soft to loud moments; “This Is It” is no exception, and when lead singer Matt Lowell got up from the keyboard and grabbed his guitar, the crowd cheered loudly.

Their next couple songs were a little groovy, as they were more heavy with drums, and the crowd was noticeably starting to loosen up. Their song “I Tried to Make you My Own” is a song that makes use of many elements and instruments, such as the keyboard, shakers, reverb, and a clip which sounds like a music box, so when the horn of the Camden Waterfront’s ferry went off, it just appeared to be another new element in he song.

The band ended their set with “Loveless,” which starts and ends on a quieter note, yet it has moments where their sound is loud big, giving them a strong presence. From their presence, to the Bowie-esque high notes Matt Lowell sings, and their unique sound, Lo Moon put on a commanding performance. Check out photos and the setlist below.

Setlist
This Is It
The Right Thing
Real Love
Wonderful Life
I Tried To Make You My Own
Loveless