At the suggestion of producer Connor Seidel, Salt was created by delving into the extensive archives of Montreal band Half Moon Run. We might have expected to find the vivacity of Dark Eyes and Sun Leads Me On – the first two albums left us with the band’s most impactful and memorable songs, Full Circle, Call Me In the Afternoon, Turn Your Love or Consider Yourself are the best examples – but on the contrary, Salt is remarkably soft, probably too much.
There are of course some nuggets: You Can Let Go starts confidently with a reassuring chorus, but above all with whispered staccato verses that are very refreshing. Goodbye Cali is an original road trip steered by an electric guitar in the foreground and a bass with triturated sounds that is both inventive and melodic. 9beat settles down with a beautiful intro of percussions with a very unusual rhythmic signature which, preserved over the course of the song, supports an intensity which settles in cantilever of the air atmosphere established by the piano. and the guitar.
For the rest, it’s rich and well done, with a few nods to adult pop (Alco) or even yacht rock (Hotel Memphis), but we’re never on the wrong side, the comforter remains fluffy and comfortable. Dodge the Rubble, an airy folk piece with rich arrangements that draws its inspiration from Americana, and the title track Salt, which showcases the soaring harmonies that made the group famous, are the most inspired ballads of a disc which, we hope, will act as a catharsis by restoring a little renewed energy to the Montreal trio.
