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| Lo Moon @ the Rickshaw Stop (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
In the cozy confines of San Francisco's Rickshaw Stop, Lo Moon delivered a mesmerizing performance on an otherwise ordinary Monday night. The near-capacity crowd that gathered despite the beginning-of-week blues served as testament to the band's growing appeal as they toured in support of one of my favorite releases of 2024, their album, I Wish You Way More Than Luck.
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| Lo Moon @ the Rickshaw Stop (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
The four-piece ensemble—Matthew Lowell, Crisanta Baker, Sam Stewart, and Jonny Scott—commanded the stage for a captivating 75-minute set that showcased their distinctive brand of atmospheric indie rock. From the moment they opened with the ethereal "Borrowed Hills," it was clear this wouldn't be an average rainy Monday night in SF.
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| Matt Lowell & Jonny Scott of Lo Moon @ the Rickshaw Stop (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
Lowell's vocals particularly stood out to me—both live and on the album, carrying a haunting quality reminiscent of Peter Gabriel—rich with emotion yet controlled, floating effortlessly above the band's melancholic arrangements. The comparison is apt; Lo Moon has perfected a sound that honors their influences while carving out their own sonic identity.
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| Matt Lowell & Crisanta Baker of Lo Moon @ the Rickshaw Stop (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
Mid-set highlights included "Raincoats" and "Expectations," where Baker's keyboard & bass work and atmospheric textures created lush soundscapes that filled the intimate venue. The band displayed remarkable chemistry during "When the Kids are Gone," with Stewart's guitar work and Scott's precise drumming creating a solid foundation for the song's emotional crescendo.
Stewart, son of Eurythmics legend Dave Stewart (who we interviewed last year), proved that musical talent runs in the family with his nuanced guitar playing throughout the set. His contributions added layers of depth to the band's sound, particularly during "Connecticut" and "Water," two tracks that demonstrated Lo Moon's ability to balance introspective lyrics with immersive instrumentation. By the time they reached "Carried Away," the audience was fully invested, swaying in unison to the band's hypnotic rhythms.
"Dream Never Dies" and "Loveless" brought the main set to a powerful conclusion, with the latter's driving beat and soaring chorus leaving the audience clamoring for more. The band obliged with a single encore performance of "Evidence," leaving the Monday night crowd with one final moment of catharsis before returning to the reality of the work week.
The evening began with a noteworthy opening set from Tre Charles, whose soulful performance set the perfect tone for the night. Charles quickly won over the early arrivals with an understated confidence and songs that complemented Lo Moon's atmospheric aesthetic while maintaining a distinct identity. By the end of the opener's set, the growing crowd was thoroughly warmed up and eagerly anticipating the headliners.
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| Tre Charles @ the Rickshaw Stop (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
For a first-time Lo Moon experience, this show revealed a band that has honed their craft through years of dedication. The near-sellout crowd at Rickshaw Stop suggests their patient approach to building an audience is paying dividends. If you have the opportunity to catch Lo Moon on their last two dates on their current tour in LA or San Diego this week, don't hesitate—their live performance adds new dimensions to their already impressive recorded material.
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| Sam Stewart of Lo Moon @ the Rickshaw Stop (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
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