James Vincent McMorrow – “We Don’t Eat” [EP]

Feeling chills while listening to music isn’t a regular occurrence for me. In fact, I can probably count on my two hands the number of artists that have properly summoned this miraculous sensation – and James Vincent Mcmorrow is one of those artists.

It’s called ‘musically evoked frission’ (if we’re getting technical). And, until recently, I believed it to be a sensation experienced by all, at one point or another. Unfortunately, it isn’t. If you’re the creative type, whose imagination is overtly active, consider yourself one of the lucky ones – capable of zoning in on an entraining tone long enough to guide you into an incredibly focused state of mind. If you’re extroverted, neurotic or conscientious, you’re shit out of luck.

The Irish songsmith’s EP, We Don’t Eat, is a tiny collection of tender folk songs dealing with love and longing. It is an admirable blend of originals, covers and live recordings – all deserving of a week’s worth of single-repeats before a rest period is required.

I’ve been listening to McMorrow for months now. In fact, according to my iTunes, I’ve already played my small selection of McMorrow tunes a grand total of 86 times. I’ve relentlessly spread his live covers of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” around all forms of social media on more than one occasion, and I’m probably not going to stop any time soon.

Being the emotional music enthusiast that I am, I will take this opportunity to admit that at certain wondrous moments, tears have always haphazardly escaped my eyes. It could have happened for a number of reasons but, realistically, it’s because McMorrow’s brilliant falsetto is so haunting and massed with soul, it’s as if you can feel the passion and affliction in his voice.

I don’t guarantee many things, and I don’t usually make promises. But, I promise you’ll enjoy something on this EP. And, who knows, maybe you’ll even get chills (if you’re lucky enough).

Track Listing:

01. We Don’t Eat – 4:54
02. Higher Love (Steve Winwood Cover) – 3:36
03. Wicked Game (Live at Killkenny Arts Festival) – 4:31
04. If I Had A Boat (Live at The Olympia) – 4:31
05. We Don’t Eat (Live at Killkenny Arts Festival) – 4:00

Run Time: 21:00
Release Date: February 21, 2012

Check out the song: “We Don’t Eat”