Review: Lo Moon at DC9

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Photo by Cina Nguyen
Photo by Cina Nguyen

Lo Moon has but one song released to date, “Loveless,” a soaring, experimental track that completely hooks you with its layered synths and steady percussion, and leaves you wondering where the song is going to take you. Last Sunday evening at DC9, the band’s live set had a similar effect. During a captivating 35 minute set, Lo Moon kept the audience on the edge of its seat, waiting to see where each song would take them. There were moments during the set where I felt like I was going to be able to guess what was coming and then suddenly there would be a hard beat drop, or they’d bring the tempo down so slow it felt like the song was ending and they’d bring it right back up and I’d be dancing again – like being on a musical roller coaster.

Photo by Cina Nguyen
Photo by Cina Nguyen

The narrative surrounding the LA-based trio suggests that this band is mysterious and almost untouchable.  Dressed uniformly in all black last Sunday night, Lo Moon subtly played into this mysterious image. But the band’s onstage demeanor and endearing banter with the crowd was a refreshing reminder to those in attendance that these are simply three humans sharing their musical gifts with other humans.

Photo by Cina Nguyen
Photo by Cina Nguyen
Photo by Cina Nguyen
Photo by Cina Nguyen

Part of what made the set so enthralling was that there aren't many bands whose sound can be compared to Lo Moon's. By the end of their set it was obvious that those who had never heard of Lo Moon were stunned and intrigued by their music and those who had heard of them were excited that they'd lived up to the hype. Their live set proved that they are more than just a buzz band; they are in this for the long haul. Their precision, chemistry, charisma, and infectious sound is likely to infiltrate the eyes and ears of the masses in the months to come.

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Photos by Cina Nguyen for Capitol Sound DC