JAMES VINCENT McMORROW – METRO THEATRE, SYDNEY

Report and photos by Tania Graham-Brown

James Vincent McMorrow released his highly regarded debut album, Early In The Morning, fifteen years ago to widespread acclaim. His current Australian tour is offering fans a rare opportunity to experience Early In The Morning live from start to finish, along with special performances of new material and celebrated covers.

It’s been a long time coming, but James Vincent McMorrow finally made his way back to Sydney last night, and it was well worth the wait. The Metro Theatre was the perfect venue for this intimate and captivating night.

He kicked things off with the opening track off Early In The Morning “If I Had a Boat”, just him and his guitar, and the whole room was completely still. He continued to play through his debut album and as a fan of his since day 1, it was just as incredible to watch now as it was then. I was lucky enough to see him in Edinburgh at Sneaky Petes all those years ago.

You could see how much it meant to him to have everyone there after being away from Australia for so long and what stood out was how stripped back and stark it all was. No big production or flashy lights – just raw, honest music. His voice is still unreal live – soft, falsetto, fragile but powerful at the same time. The moments where it breaks make it even more raw, unapologetic and moving.

He threw in a few newer songs too, which felt like a natural evolution of his sound – a bit more experimental but still unmistakably him. We were lucky enough to get the cover he did for Triple J, Lana Del Rey’s ‘West Coast’, and he finished his encore with the fabulous Hurricane from the “The Less I Knew” album.

I could have listened on for another hour. It felt less like a gig and more like catching up with an old friend. Reflective, warm, and incredibly meaningful. I’m not sure when he’ll be back again, but I really hope it’s not another eight years (he promised it wouldn’t be).

Remaining dates:

NORTHCOTE THEATRE, MELBOURNE – THURSDAY 05 JUNE

THE PRINCESS THEATRE, BRISBANE – SATURDAY 07 JUNE
For complete tour & ticket information, visit: secretsounds.com & handsometours.com