J. Tillman said it best. After deciding to leave Fleet Foxes to explore his solo career as Dionysian alter ego Father John Misty, Tillman posted to his tumblr: “Farewell Fleet Fans and Friends. Back into the gaping maw of obscurity I go.”

Following the massive success of the Fleet Foxes over the past few years (with appearances on Saturday Night Live, a handful of late night talk shows and a number of music festivals), it’s understandable if starting a new band from scratch could be difficult…or, at the very least, challenging. Christian Wargo and Casey Wescott may still be active members of Fleet Foxes, but watching them and the four other members of Poor Moon squeeze their gear onto the small stage at the Doug Fir—while simultaneously negotiating early sound troubles—last Thursday, the trappings of starting anew were apparent.

Still, the near-sold out crowd was patient, cheering as the group opened the evening with “Same Way,” a track off their eponymous 2012 release. Beginning with light-as-air vocal harmonies, the song unfolded into rolling drums and shimmering, golden-hued melodies. Any recollection of the early stage plot scramble was quickly erased among Wargo’s smooth vocals and Wescott’s accompanying percussive bell work.

From there, the sextet moved into “Holiday”. Being my first introduction to the Poor Moon catalogue—and a highlight off the long player—I couldn’t help but be excited. And looking around the audience, I saw I wasn’t alone. As soon as the opening bell progression hit, a couple to my left began hopping in anticipation while others traded excited knowing glances. “On a holiday/you won’t be taking any calls/you won’t be surrounded by the same four walls,” sang Wargo against bossa nova percussion and sunny acoustic guitar. Technically it’s not illegal to like this song, but it may be criminal not to appreciate the video (Tom Skerritt!).

After “Phantom Light”, “Heaven’s Door” and “Bucky Pony”, Poor Moon finished the night with “Birds.” It was impressive to see the band’s commitment to the minor musical touches included in “Birds”. Many times, the smaller percussive accents present in the recording studio are ultimately lost when translated into the live show. But here, every handclap and stick click was accounted for, carefully orchestrated within the group’s Latin-influenced acoustic pop.

After finishing up their excellent set, the band quickly began to move their gear off the stage in order to make way for the Cave Singers. But before Wargo exited, a girl rushed forward and handed him a chocolate bar. Although he seemed a little confused at first, Wargo soon smiled, accepted the chocolate, and graciously thanked her for the gift. The Doug Fir may not be Letterman, but it seems starting over has its advantages.

Go see Poor Moon at a venue near you—

Friday, December 14, 2012, Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco CA w/ Pure Bathing Culture

Saturday, December 15, 2012, Echo, Los Angeles CA w/ Pure Bathing Culture

Sunday, December 16, 2012, Casbah, San Diego CA w/ Pure Bathing Culture

Monday, December 17, 2012,?Muddy Waters, Santa Barbara CA w/ Pure Bathing Culture

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Photos © Zach Klassen