Although the summer may be a distant memory and the rain might have washed away your motivation for work, this album is a gentle ease into the new year.
The bearded Dubliner is well known for his tender lyrics and falsetto vocals, but this new album sees an attempt to move away from folk (with that beard he’s asking the impossible) by drawing on influences from R’n'B and gospel. As McMorrow dabbles in digital there’s some James Blake tinges, as well as the ever prevalent Bon Iver influence.
Opening track ‘Cavalier’ is completely cockle warming. It welcomes you in and sets the tone for an intoxicating album. He hits notes so high Mariah Carey would be proud as he remembers his first love. The harp makes a predominant appearance throughout the album which ties the record together and helps us reminiscence about when summer was actually hot.
‘Outside Digging’ showcases a dramatic organ with McMorrow crooning “There is so little life from the warmth of the sun” with a woozy, sun-drenched voice. ‘Post Tropical’ itself takes on a more serious tone; you’ve left the beach for the day and realised you’re completely sunburnt. But once again the harp chimes in to sooth your woes.
At times it’s hard to understand what he’s actually saying, but it doesn’t matter because it sounds so god damn good! It wouldn’t be surprising if lots of children are conceived to this album; cue Vincent to top the popular baby names list.
7/10 beards for a solid start to the year and an attempt to melt away your January Blues.
Post Tropical was released on 13th January on Vagrant Records.
