Post Tropical
James Vincent McMorrow · 2014
40 min · 10 tracks · folk music
Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with heartfelt vocals, creating a haunting yet intimate atmosphere that lingers long after the final note.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cavalier — This opening track sets the tone with its sweeping melodies and layered harmonies, encapsulating the album's blend of vulnerability and expansiveness.
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Gold — With its anthemic chorus and rich instrumentation, this song stands out as a moment of emotional release amidst the introspective themes of the album.
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Post Tropical — The title track showcases McMorrow's ability to fuse atmospheric sounds with poignant lyrics, highlighting his growth as a songwriter and producer.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends ethereal production with heartfelt vocals, creating a unique sound within the folk genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow build in 'Cavalier', layering synths and vocals that create a spacious atmosphere.
- Tracks like 'Gold' and 'Glacier' feature minimalistic instrumentation, allowing McMorrow's voice to dominate the soundscape.
- Several songs incorporate unexpected shifts in dynamics, such as sudden drops to silence or sparse arrangements that contrast with fuller sections.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- dreamlike exploration of love
- heartfelt vocals with ethereal soundscapes
- ideal for quiet introspection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Post Tropical is James Vincent McMorrow's second album, following his acclaimed debut Early in the Morning (2010). By 2014, he had transitioned from a lo-fi folk sound to explore more expansive production techniques, showcasing a maturation in his artistry and thematic depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Bon Iver· Iron & Wine
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Glacier
A stark contrast emerges when the narrative shifts from personal reflection to a broader commentary on change and resilience within relationships.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Cavalier 4:43
- 2 The Lakes 4:06
- 3 Red Dust 4:00
- 4 Gold 3:00
- 5 All Points 3:42
- 6 Look Out 3:26
- 7 Repeating 4:38
- 8 Post Tropical 4:32
- 9 Glacier 4:08
- 10 Outside, Digging 4:31
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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