Kevin Morby - More Photographs (A Continuum) (Album Review)
Tuesday, 30 May 2023
Written by Craig Howieson
In an age of almost unlimited options when it comes to new music, with scores of new songs added to streaming services daily, one may question the merit of companion albums such as the latest missive from the mind of Kevin Morby.
Following on from 2022’s ‘This Is A Photograph,’ that is exactly what ‘More Photographs (A Continuum)’ is. At nine songs, three of which are reworkings of tracks that appeared on its predecessor, there is an argument they would have been better left where they were, or tagged on to the original release as bonus material.
It’s unlikely these thoughts crossed Morby’s mind. He is not your average songwriter and having, on average, released an album of new material every two years since 2013, no one could ever accuse him of phoning it in.
It is probably worth noting here what he achieved with ‘This Is A Photograph’. The seventh solo album of his career crossed a new threshold in his abilities. It was a hazy recollection of memories, both real and imagined, and contained themes that looked beyond the abyss.
Wrapped in psychedelic alt-Americana it was a critical and commercial success. It was also a snapshot of Morby’s life and experiences at a very specific time. It was an audible attempt to make a lasting document.
Therefore it makes sense that through the passing of time, having different experiences or even as a result of viewing things from different angles, Morby’s relationship with that record will shift. ‘More Photographs (A Continuum)’ isn’t a radical departure from his sound, but it is revelatory in exposing the psyche of the man behind both records.
Our memories become clouded, and no story is told the same way twice. Bittersweet, Tennessee for example, is a reworking of Bittersweet, TN and sounds like it is coming from a different time in Morby’s life completely. While the latter had a feel of youthful longing, this version sounds like a couple looking back on the lives they will shortly leave behind, and it is genuinely heartening to have both takes to consider.
‘More Photographs (A Continuum)’ contains no surprises, but then it was never meant to. What it does do is offer us fresh perspective on our collective memories, and suggests that not being tied to one singular version of the past will open up our futures.
Kevin Morby Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Mon June 05 2023 - MANCHESTER New Century
Tue June 06 2023 - BRISTOL SWX
Wed June 07 2023 - LONDON Roundhouse
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