I’m always hesitant when I see an artist compared to another artist so frequently. And my hesitation was at a pretty high level when I hit play on the James Vincent McMorrow album for the first time. I’m a big fan of the work Justin Vernon has done in the past few years under the Bon Iver guise. I know most of you are as well. So when most if not all of the press I read about James Vincent McMorrow either called him the “next Bon Iver” or made some mention of Bon Iver, I was both curious and skeptical.

After hearing the first couple songs on the new release from McMorrow however, it made perfect sense. The comparisons are accurate, at least at the start of the album, and while McMorrow has his own distinct sound and approach, it’s not a stretch to make the comparison and I hope that helps get others ears open towards his sound. The new album, Early In The Morning is McMorrow’s debut, but has been available in the UK for awhile already. He holed up in a home by the Irish Sea in early 2009 and emerged with the ten songs that make up Early In The Morning.

While the album starts with a ‘morning’ feel, it takes some dark turns and twists that help give it the distinct flavor I’ve come to enjoy. Try the first song from the record “If I Had A Boat” on for size and then be sure to grab the whole album when it gets an official US release tomorrow from Vagrant Records.

James Vincent McMorrow – If I Had A Boat

About Joe Long

Joe started ENS in 2003 after most people he wanted to talk to about music were worn thin by his ramblings. The outlet this site provided helped out, and somehow is still going 9 years later. After a four year stint as a WOXY DJ, Joe returned to Cincinnati and continues to pioneer ENS. In addition to the overall look and feel of the site, Joe provides regular reviews, and kinda makes sure this whole thing stays afloat.