Mike Green: "Hang The Moon, Part One" (2026) Vinyl Review

Los Angeles-based musician and songwriter Mike Green released his first full-length album, Restart, in 2019, and has now followed it with Hang The Moon, Part One. This album features original material, all the songs written or co-written by Mike Green. Songs with excellent lyrics, songs of substance, of meaning. Though if you just want to enjoy a good rhythm, these tracks will satisfy you too. They are in a sort of alternative pop realm, mixing in elements of rock. Mike Green plays guitar and synthesizer on these tracks, and is joined by Eli Marcus on bass, Cam Tyler on drums, and Leddie Garcia on percussion, along several other guests on various tracks. By the way, though it's a single record, there is a gatefold, something I always appreciate and find almost comforting, perhaps because it reminds me of my childhood, when I'd have an album jacket open on my lap while listening. And, from what I gather, there will be a Part Two, more tracks having been recorded at the same sessions that yielded this record.

Side A

Early in the album's first track, "Dig," Mike Green sings, "Maybe I can keep these dark thoughts/Subservient to my heart." What great lines! The first time I put this record on, it was those lines that alerted me that these songs should be paid particular attention to. And interestingly, there is a dark element to the pop sound. This track also contains a good, interesting rhythm, especially to the verses, where it feels more prominent. These are uncertain times, and the music here seems to reflect that, reflect our own personal uncertainty. "I keep shoveling the earth until/I have a grave to fill/And I'll dig." There is a powerful instrumental section toward the end, featuring some really good stuff on guitar. Then there is something of a 1980s sound from the start of "Bug." Here is a taste of the lyrics: "How do I know/If the pain's intentional/How do I know/If it isn't visible/How do I know/We kill to believe it/Even if we don't see it." Again, the lyrics grab us, even if the song misuses the word "comprise" (it should be "composed of"). I like the rhythm of the vocal line during the verses. The track also becomes exciting during that instrumental section, building up as if preparing to explode or attack, and taking us to some higher level in the process. It's a fantastic moment.

"Coyote" uses something from reggae in its beat, and here too the vocal line has its own delicious rhythm. And even with the reggae element to the song's beat, it is the rhythm of the vocals that is especially catchy. In addition, this song features a horn section, helping to make it one of the record's highlights. Michael Stever is on trumpet, Nick Lane is on trombone, Evan Mackey is on trombone, and Andrew Neu is on saxophone. Also, Shea Marshall joins the band on organ, and Whitney Tai provides some nice backing vocal work. "The risk is wild/The pain's okay/To go back now/Is to dig our graves." It is interesting that this is the second song to mention graves. Then "Afterglow" is a more moody piece, more contemplative. And even before Mike sings the word "memory" we are immersed in memories, in feelings of longing. "Let me go easily/You're tangled in my memory/Before I give up your ghost/I'll revel in your afterglow/I'll carry on/Without you in my life." There is something beautiful about this song.

Side B

The second side opens with "I Can't Help It," this one written by Mike Green and Luis Narino. Mike delivers a soulful vocal performance here, at the beginning supported by some finger snaps. "When am I gonna get it right/This feeling is so strong/Whenever you and I collide/There will never be/Enough days or time/To satiate my thirst for you." Yeah, it's a love song, but one that acknowledges the "misery" as well as the "ecstasy" of the relationship. And the love is for someone from the past. Seeing that person re-ignites that fire. And when this song slowly fades out, we wonder if that fire, that passion, is slowly fading too, as it likely did once before. The excellent lead guitar work on this track was done by Luis Narino. And Bryan Parks is on vocoder. Then in "Best I Can," Mike Green sings, "I wish I could/Cast away the rage I've left/To be with you again/But again/I've been slippin'." And with lines like that, we can't help but connect this song to the previous song, at least thematically. I love the bass work to this one, especially that lead in the second half, and I love the beat. I also love when Mike's voice becomes more passionate near the end, as he repeats, "The best I can." This is a song that really grew on me.

As "Sun Goes Down" begins, with that steady beat, we feel this track will be more in the rock vein. And yes, there is some of that sound, some of that energy to this song, with a rhythm that gets you moving. Plus, it makes use of some of those subjects that are often in rock songs: the night, drinking. "You get the next drink 'cause/It's another night gone by/Yeah, celebrate another night to come/I got a picture of it in my mind/I'll see you when the sun goes down." This is a fun one and it contains some good stuff on guitar. It was written by Mike Green and Jonah Smith. Shea Marshall is on organ. That's followed by "Get Away," which contains some delicious percussion. Derek Abrams joins the band on percussion on this track. There is also some interesting whispering of certain lyrics, in response to the first part of a given line. And then soon Mike Green sings, "In my mind, in my mind," and we think that's where the whispering came from, a different part of his mind, even as later he sings, "Your voice/A whisper/On a cliff of my design." This is an intriguing song, a sort of conversation with the self, where a decision must be reached. This song, written by Mike Green and Jacob Johnston, is another of the album's highlights.

Record Track List

Side A

1. Dig
2. Bug
3. Coyote
4. Afterglow

Side B

1. I Can't Help It
2. Best I Can
3. Sun Goes Down
4. Get Away

Hang The Moon, Part One was released on April 17, 2026.