Irish falsetto. If this phrase means nothing to you at present, prepare to file it in your mental dictionary. The definition? James Vincent McMorrow.
The 31 year old Dublin native channels harmonic melodies through his creative mixture of indie folk and R&B. Post Tropical is only the second album from McMorrow, whose first release Early In The Morning surfaced in 2011. Early In The Morning was well received in Ireland and did share some success here in the United States as well. McMorrow still remains an uncommon name among mainstream music listeners, which is surprising given the emotional depth and vocal charisma he possesses. Post Tropical is most certainly the turning point for his global career, especially as he will begin this spring with a North American Tour for his sophomore effort.
Post Tropical has been described as an intimate journey and as a personal expression of life and love. It is truly remarkable when an artist can create music that addresses many different people, yet each individual feels as if each lyric were tailored to their desires.
Post Tropical was released just one month ago, nearly four years following the American release of McMorrow’s first studio album. It is as if McMorrow has graduated with a major in melodramatic passion. All ten songs convey the same feelings of movement – reaching and yearning for someone to love and experiencing all the beauty of this natural world in simplistic cohesion.
The third song appearing on Post Tropical strongly echoes the most fundamental desire of all, to love and be loved. “Red Dust” reveals “Sometimes my hands they don’t feel like my own//I need someone to love I need someone to hold”, showing that even in the midst of uncertainty, clarity arises and proves that facing life with a partner can be better than facing challenges alone. Even more so, occasionally we are able to find ourselves by discovering someone else.
Perhaps the most touching and heart-striking lyrics are found in the headlining song from this album. “Cavalier” begins the album with the euphony distinctively attributed to the genius of McMorrow. He sings of drinking in the evening light instead of craven silence. Whether this song is a historical reference to the English Civil War and the intertwined Cavalier poetry movement, or if it is merely named for a gentlemen remains to be known. There is one phrase repeated throughout the song that perfectly embodies magnificence through sound. “I remember my first love” is sung again and again by McMorrow, strengthening the truth of the phrase in each revolution back to its repetition.
“All Points” is a rhythmically enchanting piece that speaks of the vastness of the natural world. “In the canyon I was started young//In the ocean in the valley run//There was hope that time would disappear//In the smoke when the valley clears”. He sings of being in the dark and thinking about the coldness of the season, but dreaming about a warmer climate. “In imaginary destiny//Reached the palms and stretched around the skin//Every breath that echoes endlessly//Every point to ever let it leave”.
If music can medicate the mind, then this album is the one and only prescription. James Vincent McMorrow has a voice to cure all cases of cabin fever and the spiritual ailments that winter can bring. This album showcases his voice to ne plus ultra, the perfect and most extreme example of its kind.
Post Tropical has not yet received the critical acclaim that it deserves and should be endowed. This is a highly recommended album that should be listened to time and time again. It carries the intricacy necessary to send the mind on an enchanting voyage into the realm of musical enlightenment.
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