Small Flame

Morning Tourist

Single Review

Written By Luke Knowles

Once again London based singer/songwriter Sean McKinney aka Morning Tourist has dropped into our laps another dose of his upcoming debut album ‘The Endless Eve’. Pulling on his self proclaimed passion for Alt/Folk and sprinkling in a touch of early 00’s Rock-Pop Sean has titled the taste buds of everyone hungry to hear his album later this year. ‘Small Flames’ is both a song celebrating a whirlwind romance but then at the same time looking back at that same time through bitter sweet lenses.

As the track opens you are greeted with a warm and upbeat guitar line that slides neatly into a full composition as the vocals take up the call. As you listen you could almost envision yourself picturing two people meeting and being swept up in that first love struck moment. The way the song bounces along creates a very positive energy that is whipped up through the addition of bright electric guitars and a warm but steady rhythm section. It really put me in mind of artists such as Gomez, Turin Brakes and Semisonic. A really warm and comfortable sound but peppered with some amazing imagery and almost contradictory lyrics.

By that I mean. As the song moves forwards it is the lyrics that begin to bring some measure and restraint to this runaway positiveness aspired to by the musical composition. For me also the lyrics are the true magic of this track. After listening to not just this but several other tracks from Morning Tourist it is clear that narrative imagery is one of Sean’s greatest tools. The richness and texture that these images add to his songs elevates them beyond  the relaxed nature of the compositions. For example in this track that preaches caution in the face of sheer excitement he uses the words “….small flame in a hurricane….” And “….boats sail held with sellotape….” Two simple and very effective metaphors for the feelings embodied in the song. Combined with Seans delicate and sweet vocal delivery these liens are delivered, along with the rest of the song, with a pure honesty that speaks straight to the listener with no distractions, just emotions.

Overall Morning Tourist has once again proven himself a competent songwriter and storyteller. Rather than hiding behind complicated arrangements and shock factor vocals and lyrics to drive his point home. Sean delivers his songs in a humble and warm package that allows you to feel a real connection with his music and his state of mind while writing it. I for one cannot wait to hear the full album once it is released later this year.

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