Fresh New Tracks, Vol. 41 – Cormac O Caoimh, DelCobras, The Kid and I, Ewan Patrick

On February 22, 2025February 26, 2025 By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews23 Comments

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”

Marc Schuster, Jim Lorino & Nick Cervini

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”

Daniel Malek, Jacob Powell & Minky Très-vain

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!

EWAN PATRICK – Album Review: “Forever Love”

On October 23, 2021 By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews12 Comments

Ewan Patrick is a talented and thoughtful singer-songwriter 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’s also played in many bands over the years, performing extensively across the UK, including at a number of major music festivals. More recently, Ewan has recorded some of the songs he’s written over the years that he says “never quite found their place in any of the bands I’ve played in.“

In October 2020, he released his first double A-side single “Retrospect/Hurricane”, then followed this past February with a second double A-side single “Feels Good To Be Alive/Two Hearts“, which I reviewed. Now he returns with his debut full-length album Forever Love, featuring 10 wonderful tracks touching on the universal subjects of life, love, loss, family and current affairs. The four previously-released singles are included on the album, along with six new songs, all of which beautifully showcase Ewan’s outstanding songwriting, performance and production skills, as he records, mixes and masters all his music by himself.

His songs are a pleasing mix of acoustic, folk rock, piano ballads and anthemic rock, nicely sequenced in a way that gives the album a balanced, fresh-sounding flow. Ewan has a strong, clear and beautiful singing voice too, which sounds great on every style of song he sings. The album opens with “Feels Good To Be Alive“, an uplifting rock song about recognizing the things that really matter and that, despite one’s problems, life is still worth living: “Nothing’s working but I’m feeling carefree. I’m still hurting, yet it doesn’t bother me. Why? Because I’m still alive. It feels good to be alive.” The song starts off low-key, with his acoustic guitar accompanied by gentle percussion, then explodes into a torrent of electric guitar and crashing cymbals for a dramatic finish.

Next up is “Hurricane“, a rousing guitar-driven rock song about standing up against oppression: “No longer hiding in the shadows. No longer afraid of speaking up. The winds of change are gradually building, and we’re looking just like a hurricane.” Another politically topical song, and one of my favorites on the album, is “Not Invincible“, which Ewan says was written during the first lockdown, after the murder of George Floyd last year in Minneapolis. It’s a hauntingly beautiful track, with sweeping cinematic synths, highlighted by mournful piano keys and stunning guitars.

Like the opening track “Feels Good To Be Alive”, several songs explore various aspects of making the most of our time on this planet, and successfully navigating through both good times and bad. “Law of Life“, which sounds like a song that could have been recorded by Tears For Fears, addresses the inevitability of change. Ewan gives us something to think about: “It’s a law of life. Can’t fight the changing tide. What will you sacrifice? Will you be left behind? Are you looking forward to a better past?” On the beautiful piano ballad “Be Strong“, he encourages us to remain steadfast and resilient in the face of those changes: “You wait a lifetime, and then one moment can change your life. So many questions, keep searching for answers that aren’t easy to find./ Be strong, you’re stronger than you’ll ever know.” And on the bittersweet folk-rock track “Retrospect“, he speaks to the heartache and pain of moving on from a relationship that’s ended. “To say goodbye is the hardest part, but like the continents we drifted apart. The broken promise brings a tear to our eyes as we kiss for the very last time.”

Then there are the songs that are the most deeply personal for Ewan. The title track “Forever Love” is a lovely piano ballad written for his young daughter, and expressing the joy she brings him: “And every day you give me is a little miracle. Cause you’re my forever love.” Along a similar theme, the poignant “You Don’t Get A Second Chance At Life” is a conversation between a parent and child, in which the parent offers advice for living their best life: “So fall in love. Try to be kind. But speak the words that are on your mind./ Spread your love and share your time. Leave all your dark thoughts far behind. You don’t get a second chance at life.” The hard-driving rocker “The Call of Home” is a heartwarming ode to his beloved home town of Edinburgh: “Around every corner, another vista to break your heart. We’ve been apart far too long. I feel the call of home.” His guitar work is particularly good, a colorful mix of shimmery notes and thunderous riffs.

Perhaps the most personal song of all is album closer “Two Hearts“, which Ewan composed while writing his own wedding speech. He recalls “I was not for a minute trying to contrive a love song for my future wife but it just kind of happened.” The song is appropriately beautiful and heartfelt, with him singing of his love and devotion, and how his bride has made him a better man. “You took my hand. Made me a man. You’ve made me better than I’ve ever been. Come walk with me through hopes and dreams, and together we’ll take the world head on. Two hearts will beat as one.” It’s a fitting song with which to end this wonderful, uplifting album.

Forever Love is a first-rate, meticulously-crafted work, and a very impressive debut by this talented musician. I hope we’ll be hearing more great music from Mr. Patrick soon.

Connect with Ewan: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Stream his music: Spotify / Soundcloud / Apple Music / YouTube

Purchase: Bandcamp / Amazon

EWAN PATRICK – Double Single Review: “Feels Good To Be Alive/Two Hearts”

On February 2, 2021February 2, 2021 By EclecticMusicLoverIn Reviews4 Comments

Ewan Patrick is a singer-songwriter from Edinburgh, Scotland who’s long been dedicated to the study and making of music. He studied contemporary classical composition at Napier University in Edinburgh, then earned a graduate degree in Music Production at Leeds College of Music. He’s also played in many bands over the years, with whom he performed extensively across the UK, including at a number of major music festivals. Some of his songs have garnered airplay on national BBC Radio 1, as well as various BBC regional stations and on commercial radio. More recently, Ewan has begun recording some of the songs he’s written over the years that, in his own words, “never quite found their place in any of the bands I’ve played in.“

Last October (2020), he released his first double A-side single “Retrospect/Hurricane”. Both are very good anthemic pop-rock songs that beautifully showcase his songwriting, performance and production talents, as he records, mixes and masters all his music himself. Now he returns with a new double A-side single “Feels Good To Be Alive/Two Hearts“, which dropped February 1st. All four tracks will be included on his forthcoming debut album, due out later this year.

“Feels Good To Be Alive” speaks to how we can become complacent about life, and sometimes bitter that things didn’t turn out quite like we’d hoped or imagined. The song starts off low-key, with Ewan’s acoustic guitar accompanied by gentle percussion as he plaintively sings “How did this happen and when did I grow cold? I’m feeling insignificant as I’m reaching the end of the road. I won’t let my life disappear and slowly fade. It’s time for me to reframe and make the change.” The song then explodes with a torrent of electric guitar and crashing cymbals as he passionately sings with a strong sense of optimism and hope, and a belief that life is still worth living: “The rain keeps falling but it washes over me. Nothing’s working but I’m feeling carefree. I’m still hurting, yet it doesn’t bother me. Why? Because I’m still alive. It feels good to be alive.” It’s a beautifully-crafted and uplifting song.

“Two Hearts” is a deeply personal song that came to Ewan while writing his own wedding speech. He states that he was “not for a minute trying to contrive a love song for my future wife but it just kind of happened.” The song is appropriately beautiful and moving, starting off with Ewan’s acoustic guitar and heartfelt vocals as he sings of his love and devotion, and how his bride has made him a better man: “You took my hand. Made me a man. You’ve made me better than I’ve ever been. Come walk with me through hopes and dreams, and together we’ll take the world head on. Two hearts will beat as one.” The song gradually expands into a sublime ballad as he layers gorgeous chiming electric guitar notes, piano and heavier percussion, along with some beautiful cello performed by his good friend Rebecca Rowe.

Both songs are outstanding, and I must say I’m very impressed by Ewan’s strong songwriting, singing and musicianship skills. Not only are his songs finely-crafted from a technical standpoint, they also have a lot of those less tangible qualities of heart and soul that allow them to speak to us on a more personal and meaningful level. I see a bright future for this young artist, and look forward to hearing more music from him.