For my latest edition of Fresh New Tracks, I’m showcasing terrific releases by four acts I’m especially fond of – Irish singer-songwriter Cormac O Caoimh, Philadelphia power pop band DelCobras, London alternative indie rock band The Kid and I, and Scottish singer-songwriter Ewan Patrick.

Cormac O Caoimh – “The Little Things”

Cormac O Caoimh is a talented singer-songwriter and musician from Cork, Ireland who writes incredibly pleasing indie folk/pop songs filled with sublime melodies and beautiful arrangements. His thoughtful, intelligent lyrics exploring the intricacies of life, love, hope and loss are delivered with fine instrumentation and warm, comforting vocals that remind me at times of Paul Simon. The prolific artist has released an impressive amount of music over the past 25 years or so (both with his previous band Citadels and as a solo artist), including seven outstanding albums, the most recent being 1999​-​2012 Vol. 1, an ambitious work released last May 2024 featuring 20 tracks, 10 of which were new recordings of older songs released between 1999 and 2012, whereas 10 were the original recordings of those same songs. I’ve previously reviewed three of his singles, most recently “There’s A Crack (Heart Attack)“ from that album that’s a reimagining of his song “Heart Attack”, from his 2012 album A New Season For Love. You can read that review here.

Now Cormac returns with a new single “The Little Things“, about which he explains: “Unlike many of my songs this is a true story and a happy one. It is about 2 people who have this massive soulful connection with each other but they do not tell each other. And they go through their lives savouring the small moments they connect – a chance meeting in town, a cup of coffee at work, etc. The happy ending is …they both die, and their ghosts hook up.” It’s a sweet and poignant song, with lovely instrumentals set to a gentle melody and accompanied by Cormac’s soothing vocals. The video features vintage footage of Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell dancing in the film Broadway Melody of 1940.

The Bandcamp release also features two extra B-sides – “Does God Only Hear Sober Prayers” and “Sweet Sake” – both tracks from a country album that Cormac had planned to make but never did.

Delcobras – “The Turnaround”

Hailing from Philadelphia is recently-formed power pop trio DelCobras, comprised of Jim Lorino (lead vocals, guitar & synths), Marc Schuster (bass & vocals) and Nick Cervini (drums). All accomplished musicians, Jim is also frontman of indie power pop act Scoopski, now on hiatus, and drummer for indie alt-rock band Naive Nature. Marc records both as a solo artist and is also one-half of duo The Star Crumbles, as well as involved with several other musical acts, including Scoopski for a time. Nick is drummer for Philadelphia indie rock band Sacred Monsters and also played with Scoopski. In addition to their musical talents, they’re personable guys with a wicked sense of humor. Their name is a tribute to Delaware County, where Marc and Nick live. “We rehearse in Marc’s basement in Havertown, and Nick lives around the corner” Jim explains. “I’m from Northeast Philly, but they’ve accepted me as one of their own.”

They’ve just dropped their debut single “The Turnaround“, a rousing anthem of self redemption celebrating the eternal promise of second chances. Jim wrote the song after experiencing a raft of disappointments, including his home team the Philadelphia Phillies losing to the New York Mets in last year’s National League Division Series, his band Scoopski falling apart, and backsliding in his ongoing efforts to lose weight (something I can sadly empathize with). Inspired by Phillies shortstop Trea Turner and the Netflix documentary The Turnaround, which chronicles the story of how Jim’s friend and YouTuber The Philly Captain (aka Jon McCann) spearheaded a movement to give Turner, who was struggling in his first season with the Phillies, a standing ovation at their August 4th game which resulted in a ten-game hitting streak for the player, “The Turnaround” is a marvelous post-punk infused rocker loaded with gnarly guitar chords fortified by a hard-driving rhythm of chugging bass and smashing drums. I love Jim’s exuberant vocals, nicely joined by Marc singing a few lines from the Frank Sinatra classic “High Hopes” (written by James Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn), in the bridge. I also love the charming carpool karaoke video.

The Kid and I – “Take My Hand”

The Kid and I is a London, England-based alternative indie rock band comprised of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Powell, Minky Très-vain on guitar & backing vocals, and Daniel Malek on bass.  (Très-vain is also front man of scratch rock band Brain Ape, who I’ve featured several times on this blog, and of which Powell was once a member.) Influenced by an eclectic mix of acts ranging from Biffy Clyro, Foo Fighters and Blink-182 to Tyler, the Creator, Sam Fender and Phoebe Bridgers, The Kid and I serve up a fresh blend of energetic rock and indie vibes, infused with heartfelt lyrics reflecting the struggles of modern life. Since 2020, they’ve dropped 13 singles, an EP and a live album. Last March, I reviewed a live version of their explosive banger “Good Times Go”, a song about toxic masculinity and taking accountability for oneself.

On February 20th, they released their latest single “Take My Hand“, a powerful song of perseverance in these troubling times. Jacob explains “I wrote this song back in 2021 – it’s been kicking about for a long time, but it feels more relevant now than ever. This song’s about trying to escape the hatred we find in the world right now through love, and hoping for a better future in the process.” Backed by a dynamic mix of grungy guitars, aggressive drums and soaring strings, he passionately sings “I’m scared of having children in this day and age. Where big money does what it wants, always gets it own way / Please just take my hand, and let’s run away before the devil rears his ugly face again.” In addition to the three The Kid and I members, drums were played by Elvis Quagliotto, additional guitar by Henry Avedian, and strings by Gavin Brooks. The wonderful photo and cover art design were created by Forest Smith.

Ewan Patrick – “Always With You”

Ewan Patrick is a thoughtful and talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Edinburgh, Scotland who’s had music in his blood for much of his life. He studied contemporary classical composition at Napier University in Edinburgh, then earned a graduate degree in Music Production at Leeds College of Music. He also played in many bands over the years, performing extensively across the UK, including at a number of major music festivals. In 2020 he began recording and releasing songs he’d written over the years that he says “never quite found their place in any of the bands I’ve played in.“ His songs range from pleasing acoustic, folk rock and piano ballads to stirring anthemic rock, all of which Ewan handles with ease, both musically and vocally with his strong, clear and beautiful singing voice. He also records, mixes and masters all his music by himself. Thus far, he’s released numerous singles and two excellent albums, Forever Love in 2021 (which I reviewed) and Keep On Coming Back For More in 2023.

On February 11th, Ewan dropped his latest single “Always With You” on Bandcamp, and will be available on all other major streaming platforms on February 25th. It’s a beautiful, heartwarming song that starts off gently with only an acoustic guitar accompanying his plaintive vocals, eventually building into a soaring anthem with gorgeous layered guitars, powerful bass and tumultuous percussion. The poignant lyrics speak to the overwhelming feelings of grief that envelop us after losing a loved one. Ewan elaborates: “The inspiration for this track has come from my work with children and young people that have experienced a bereavement. Losing someone who is so close to you is the hardest thing any of us will experience in our lives. I hope this song captures even an ounce of the rollercoaster of emotions we experience when dealing with some of the toughest times in our lives. It’s one that means a lot and I’m really proud of. I hope it resonates with many. ” Well, it most definitely resonates with me!