James Vincent McMorrow, the Irish musician, expressed his gratitude to the growing crowd at All Together Now, as the sun set on the Main Stage and Curraghmore Estate embraced the celestial glow breaking through the dark clouds. Despite an earlier rainstorm, he unveiled a new song, ‘The Standard,’ from his latest album ‘Wide Open, Horses,’ at the coveted 9 p.m. slot. There was a hint of technical glitch from the sound system at the start, but it soon faded out.
McMorrow, who just released a new album ‘The Less I Knew’ via Faction Records in June 2022, never ceases to generate an array of fresh works. He serenaded the Waterford festival with a series of stripped-back, guitar-driven tracks rather than high-energy tunes. The audience was drawn towards McMorrow’s signature high-pitched falsetto vocals that gradually intensified with each note that was hit.
Among the crowd’s favourites were his popular singles, such as ‘Red Dust,’ a bonus track from his 2010 premier album ‘Early in the Morning.’ McMorrow assured the audience that minimal chatter from him would follow, as he focused on the vast array of songs he intended to play. Tracks like ‘Stay Cool’ from his recent album continued the low-tempo rhythm, while ‘Give Up’ showcased a charming contribution from his six-year-old daughter.
McMorrow displayed a tendency to switch guitars frequently, enhancing the immersive atmosphere with dry ice and vivid graphics. He comfortably slipped into an old rhythm, covering memorable songs including Chris Isaak’s ‘Wicked Game’ which earned enthusiastic cheers. Tracks from his debut album along with ‘Get Low’ from his 2016’s album ‘We Move’ also contributed to the beautifully ambient acoustic sounds and soft-rock tones. The performance was marked by deep guitar strumming, solid bass, rapid hi-hats, and fluttering synthesizers, all contributing to the fullness and depth of his sound that perfectly complemented the festival vibe. His powerful performance at All Together Now showcased his unique vocal style and guitar-laden tracks.
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Highlights from the recent album included the hauntingly beautiful strains of If I Had A Boat and the mesmerising tune, Things We Tell Ourselves, that demonstrated McMorrow’s talent for creating mood and melody. The highlight of the entire performance was arguably Rising Water, an upbeat pop/R&B number with a catchy bassline that quickly won the crowd over. The audience, as varied as his seven LPs, consisted of fans both young and old from North America, singing along to every word.
Following an impressive performance on Friday evening, concluded with his 2013 Post-Tropical single, Cavalier, he expressed gratitude to his fans and encouraged them to enjoy Jorja Smith’s performance. Despite his music typically being suited to smaller, more intimate settings where his unique voice can truly resonate, the Irish artist wowed the crowd on the first day, setting high expectations for his upcoming gigs in the US and Canada.