Early In The Morning by James Vincent McMorrow (2010) (Review)

 

I've decided to create a new genre. I call it “beardcore”. Scene heads generally make confessional folk music recorded alone in some isolated building (cabin, hut, beach house etc.) with only acoustic guitars, banjos and whatnot for company. Oh, and they have beards. Now you may think to yourself, ‘This will never take off! How silly of her!’ and, given most of my genre creating, you’d be right (Oberstcore never did take off…), but this scene is not just existing, but is currently thriving. The newest beardcore artist is James Vincent McMorrow’. Joining Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes in the genre, McMorrow hails from the not so green isle of Ireland and is making waves with his debut album Early In The Morning, eleven tracks of atmospheric indie-folk with intelligent musicianship, and more intelligent lyrics.

The album starts off with “If I Had A Boat” an initially a capella, atmospheric grower. Starting off quietly, it eases the listener into the record with McMorrow’s warm vocals, hooks the listener with a subtly catchy chorus, before building up to an epic finishing. The majority of Early In This Morning follows this pattern. Every track starts with a build-up and culminates in epicness. McMorrow’s are consistently strong, with his tone being warm and, sometimes, surprisingly soulful. Whilst it feels lazy to compare him to Justin Vernon, the similarities in their voices are undeniable. However McMorrow deals in a more upbeat sound, even a dance worthy sound on tracks such as “This Old Dark Machine”.

“We Don’t Eat”, the lead single, is undeniably strong. McMorrow’s lyrics are at their most poetic and flowing, with the sparse piano and acoustic touches working to make the track feel special in a way. Despite the sparsely used instrumentation, the song almost feels like an anthem of sorts, and is pretty flawless.

McMorrow has crafted an album that should set him firmly on the path to folk stardom. Although at times, McMorrow may seem a little too similar to his peers, he is certainly a talented songwriter that deserves your listening.  

85%
RIYL: Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, Sufjan Stevens   

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Kelly Doherty