CD review: James Vincent McMorrow

Irish singer-songwriter James Vincent McMorrow's third album documents a change of approach that is less a U-turn than a swerve towards textures hinted at in his previous collages.

Aided by the serious production muscle of Nineteen85 and Frank Dukes, McMorrow's falsetto roams within a warm yet sparse landscape of R'n'B drum loops, synthesisers that sweep and pulse and slinky, clean electric guitar phrases. Often supported by warm, soulful harmonies (Get Low), he sings of intimate connection and its attendant themes, disconnection and reconnection, contemplates success and failure and places in between.

 • James Vincent McMorrow. We Move. Universal.

 • Four stars (out of five)

 • Single download: Rising Water

 • For those who like: Justin Timberlake meets David Grey

 - Shane Gilchrist