JVM adopts a self-analytical approach to his latest outing, where the Irishman confesses his thoughts on relationships, his own behaviour and its effect on those around him. ‘Headlights’ typifies the essence of ‘Grapefruit Season’, from its low-key early beginnings to its danceable midsection that just keeps adding layer upon layer of the kind of sounds that make you want to move your feet. Then comes the curveball, as McMorrow trills “has the way to my love been killing you?”, as if to disguise his true feelings underneath the jubilation of a straight-up banger. ‘Poison to You’ is a juxtaposition to ‘Headlights’ upbeat nature, as a song that’s anchored by dramatic strings and striking piano that sets the tone for a bittersweet love song. An impassioned JVM can be heard stating “I’m the poison to you every time/the kind that gets inside your mind”. Album closer ‘Part of Me’ follows a similar tone, as an acoustic trill wraps itself around crisp beats; there’s an elegance to the album’s closing moments, as our figurehead confesses “there’s part of me that knows I’ll never be good enough for you”. ‘We Don’t Kiss Under Umbrellas Like We Used To’ is where the Dubliner is captured in a reflective mood, with his tender vocals purring “I can still remember where we met/how could I forget” over a swirl of Bon Iver-esque folk meets electronica. A myriad of emotions oozes out of the smooth, glassy tones of ‘Tru Love’ from McMorrow declaring “I’ve been going through breakdowns/such a delicate state now” to “I’m obsessed with how you see me/I’m obsessed with how you need me” showing the dichotomy of love and the human condition. When the bells and whistles are stripped back, there’s a rawness to the LP which showcases the artist’s tender side and is most significant on ‘Waiting’s campfire trill, that unfurls like a minimal love letter documented by McMorrow’s aching tones.

The record’s quirky moniker is inspired by James watching his mum eat a grapefruit as a child, and the idea of what’s good for you may not actually be pleasurable. Suffice to say ‘Grapefruit Season’ is good for you and oh-so pleasurable.

Words and thoughts by Adam Williams

Pre-order Grapefruit Season by James Vincent McMorrow HERE