THE critically acclaimed debut album ‘Early in the Morning’ from James Vincent McMorrow reached number 1, went platinum and picked up a Choice Music Prize nomination upon its release in 2010. The follow up album ‘Post Tropical’ was released in January. The new record heralds a change in musical direction for the songwriter who revealed,
“I’m so proud of ‘Early in the Morning’ but I never longed to be a guy with a guitar. You play these songs live as best you can, and suddenly you’re a folk musician. But the texture of this new record is completely different. This is the kind of stuff that makes sense to me.”
James Vincent McMorrow has approached his second album as a make or break release. In a recent interview he confessed, “I wasn’t always aware of the importance of this job. I’m aware of it now. You get one chance to make an impression and coasting through is a disservice.”
His efforts are already reaping dividends. The first single from the new album ‘Cavalier’ has been nominated as part of Choice Prize Song of the year. On its release, ‘Post Tropical’ went in at number two in the Irish album charts, just pipped to the post by Bruce Springsteen’s ‘High Hopes’.
‘Post Tropical’ is influenced by James Blake and Bon Iver in sound and approach. The writing for the new album began in a remote studio in Texas, on a pecan farm half a mile from the Mexican border. The record is a collection of sounds and ideas that requires attention and engagement before revealing its hidden depths. His show in University Concert Hall is almost sold out and will be a celebration of how far McMorrow’s craft has developed and a chance to engage with ‘Post Tropical’ performed live.
With support from Dublin trio Slow Skies, James Vincent McMorrow will play UCH this Saturday February 1.
