Moonface feels like Spencer Krug’s outlet to have as much marimba as possible in a musical project, and with the help of electric marimba player Mike Bigelow on stage, it all sounds meant to be. But first, Krug had to set the mood. The backdrop of the stage was a yule log scene with a flickering blue-tinged fire, and before playing a note, he had to light some candles next to his Tecate. It was like he was recreating what his home studio might look like, and only when it felt right could he begin. He requested that the stage lights be kept to a minimum, so the main source of light to see him by was the lit globe positioned on top of his organ.
Krug played his shifting organ arpeggios and sang his emotional, strangely evocative lyrics while Bigelow looked like he was hitting the marimba and electronic drum heads so hard that it should sound more aggressive than it did. Instead, everything blended together so well that it was like Moonface was creating an alternate reality to escape to; a bit like if Delicate Steve was part of the Elephant 6 Collective. Krug played a song heavily inspired by Real Life’s “Send Me an Angel,” called… “Send Me an Angel.” Heavily borrowed from in that the chorus was almost identical, interspersed with Krug’s own verses. He informed us that he has never recorded this song, so it felt like a special performance. What made the whole set feel special was when he stated that this would probably be the last time Moonface performed any of the songs they were playing for us. When, inevitably, people shouted “Why?” Krug laughed and told us knowingly, “Don’t ask why, just go with it.” Good advice for what is really the best way to listen to Moonfac
This was the last tour date for Moonface, but you can always stalk him on Facebook. Talkdemonic have a few day off before playing a couple shows in Texas with Modest Mouse, then they make their way back home to Oregon. Check out their Tumblr for fun photo and video updates.
