Formed in 2017, the Midwest indie-folk band, Oliver Hazard, is led by singer and guitarist Mike Belazis, vocalist and guitarist Devin East, and vocalist and keyboardist Nate Miner. Together, this trio has created fan favorites such as “Dandelion” and “Grenadine,” and their newest single is not one you’ll want to miss.
Released on September 6, 2024, “Blood Moon” is just in time for the season of acoustic and nostalgic soundtracks. Belazis’ soft vocals combined with upbeat tempos and melancholic lyrics create autumnal magic. The opening song, “Blood Moon,” starts with a steady rhythm that drives the entire single forward. The passion in the song cracks open the raw feelings behind the nonchalant lyrics and sets the tone for the story.
The next song, “Wild Eyed Blue,” amps up, creating the feeling of driving in your car with the windows down, blue skies and orange leaves blurring past you.
The third song, “Honey I’m Hardly,” draws back to a cozy, pleading pace. Like stolen glances across a campfire, this song evokes the feeling of being wrapped up in both flannel and reflection on a crisp night.
“Haunted” closes out Oliver Hazard’s latest single like the last leaf leaving a tree before winter. The vocals feel rawer, and the lyrics are personal in a way that everyone can relate to.
The beautiful story weaving throughout the single is one of love that was not meant to be. “Blood Moon,” which tells of an eclipse of the mind and heart, lays out the grief of how the story started and ended. “Wild Eyed Blue” illustrates the wonder of infatuation and tells of the lengths and self-destruction one goes through to chase it. Eventually, wonder fades to everyday happenings, and infatuation turns to wishing for yesterday. “Honey I’m Hardly” depicts the breaking point of this unrequited love. They don’t belong together, no matter how deep the attraction is. However, no matter how fleeting the connection, all relationships leave an impact on us. “Haunted” describes the space a person takes up in your life and how long they linger even when they no longer occupy it.
Each song stands on its own, but together, they create a lovely and intimate glimpse into someone’s bittersweet memories. “Blood Moon” captures the sentimental feeling of falling in love as the seasons change while maintaining a folksy and endearing quality that fits right in with your other fall favorites.
