Album Review: True Care, James Vincent McMorrow

Shrouded in secrecy and taking only five months to make, True Care is the James Vincent McMorrow’s surprise follow up to We Move. Aiming to strike while the iron is hot, and buck the machine-like nature of the music business, this self confessed “risk” is one that pays off handsomely. Featuring plenty of material recorded in one take and eschewing click tracks, McMorrow’s warts and all approach makes for a marvellously arresting listen.

Comprised of 15 tracks, True Care is a gorgeous and sometimes giddy album that’s rich with ideas and textures. There are occasional Prince-isms sprinkled throughout, with the likes of the soul-minded ‘December 2914’ and the joyous ‘Thank You’ in particular owing a debt to The Purple One. While a couple of songs would have benefitted from at least an extra few bars to reach a more satisfying climax (‘Pink Salt Lake’, ‘The National’), McMorrow’s magnificent voice papers over any cracks.

‘Change Of Heart’, for example, is one of the many treats on offer: a ferocious pop song, it boasts euphoric vocals and an irresistible, disco-tinged chorus. ‘Holding On’, meanwhile, is a thrilling listen that mutates from an otherworldly, futuristic threnody to a passionate gospel track over the course of three sublime minutes. It’s just one of many inspired moments on this hugely impressive collection.