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Press
Quotes
"Acoustic Gems from the Cork singer-songwriter. Each song superglues to the memory " **** Mojo Magazine
**** "There are echoes of terrific songwriters here – the likes of Lloyd Cole, Paul Simon, Eels’ Mark E Everett, and Prefab Sprout’s Paddy McAloon filter through – but O Caoimh’s personalized worldview makes the material his own" - The Irish Times
"rooted in the ethos of Elvis Costello and Paddy McAloon" - The Sunday Times
"“Cormac O’ Caoimh’s songwriting is akin to that of the ‘80s school of wordsmiths such as Lloyd Cole, Paddy McAloon and even Elvis Costello....a songwriter to be reckoned with" - Hot Press
"Cormac's songs are like little sculptures... considered, shaped and honed into things of beauty that find their way to your soul."
- Fiachna Ó Braonáin (Hothouse Flowers/RTE)
"a real tour de force...a warm folksy masterpiece..an excellent piece of work..9/10 stars" - whisperinandhollerin
"Beautiful beyond words" - Mutant Space
Some "shiney silvery things" press
"Rich vein of indie inspired melodicism which always makes his work so richly rewarding. Selecting highlights would be a pointless exercise because every track really is a subtly crafted gem" - Kevin Bryan - Messenger Newspaper
"Shiny Silvery Things is a masterpiece that has been grown and nurtured to produce something that is unique and soulful. It is a warm and versatile album that can adapt itself to any mood" - Artree
"twelve beautifully-crafted songs here that are set like jewels in arrangements and stylings that transform them into, well, 'Shiny Silvery Things'. Sublime" - Music Riot
“Gorgeous.. hit me right in the feels on the first listen” - Musician.ie
**** "There are echoes of terrific songwriters here – the likes of Lloyd Cole, Paul Simon, Eels’ Mark E Everett, and Prefab Sprout’s Paddy McAloon filter through – but O Caoimh’s personalized worldview makes the material his own" - The Irish Times
"Rich, rewarding exemplars of mature, observational songwriting, as though The Smiths had actually grown up and become responsible adults. Shiny Silvery Things positively rings with brightness and charm in a jewel encrusted trinket box full of delightful vignettes and new-found-sounds. There are so many standout tracks that it seems pointless to try to separate them in a spurious order of merit, so I won’t try." - 1380 Radio Recommends
"hidden depths and lyrical touches that make the listener sit up and take notice...melancholy and joyous, at once catchy and thoughtful." -Americana UK
"richer in terms of production, and more wholesome whilst also retaining that bare and honest feel. bringing a comforting smile to the face of the listener, but at the same time, tempering that with a subtle moroseness" - Remy: The Best of Music and Film
“In time of constant change, certainties remain. Among them is the music of Cormac O Caoimh.. hook laden songs, superficial simplicity disguising thoughtful compositions, lyrically deep explorations and that all important personal touch that reflects O Caoimh’s music… varied, finely painted and ever-widening illustrations” - Folkwords
“A Rich and rewarding brew. This fascinating singer -songwriter from Cork continues to enchant listeners with his new album." - Sphere Music
"in the tradition of the Go Betweens and Prefab Sprout..what we definitely recommend you do is to put it on repeat" - Gobsmag.nl
"4*** Heartwarming & beautiful" - CTRL.ALT.COUNTRY
"I mentioned already the voice, the voice and guitar of Cormac, but equally deserves all the backing band, with which I did not know one name, all praise" - ROOTS.BE
"..you immediately feel like Alice in Wonderland. Let’s be enchanted!" - Music From THe Heart
"showcases Cormac’s unique song writing and guitar playing..A collection of fine songs. An assortment of stories and scenarios, thoughtful and idiosyncratic lyrics shared against a background of catchy pop music delivered by some very gifted musicians" - Maximum Volume
“Nice mix of chamber-pop, jazz, folk, bossa and indie-pop. The exuberance of his songs is far from the melancholy of many country-folk authors; His style is much closer to the elegance of Paddy McAloon or Paul Simon's lyric polychrome that seem to come out of a dream where the Belle And Sebastian meet Prefab Sprout” - Ondarock
"it is clear that Cormac O'Caoimh takes great care in structuring his songs and music, the mood of the story must relate to the sound of the music, the mark left on the listener must be reflected in the vocal delivery. The contradiction arises from the fact that although we are presented with seemingly careful structure, the overall feel is one of effortlessness on the songwriter's behalf, turning the everyday into the special, where we see the mundane to the point of not even noticing anymore, O'Caoimh sees shiny silvery things everywhere and breathes colourful life into every single one of them" - REMY
"Cormac O Caoimh’s songs are elusively difficult to categorize. Sometimes he is deceptively simplistic other times he’s more wordy, introverted and introspective but with an uplifting message These are songs you can rummage around in and find something in the lyrics that speaks to you at your own point in time. Cormac’s words find an expressive symmetry in his electric and classical guitar playing" - R2 Magazine
"in short, for the lover of better songs" - moors magazine
"deceptively good, direct-appealing, beautiful emotional songs" - Popmagazine Heaven
“elegant and complex attempts to get a grasp on intangible truths. with impressionistic and poetic lyrics” – whisperinandhollerin.com
“masters the style… The music has a slight sense of mystery and airiness within that transcends the soft approach into something deeper” – Folkworld.eu
“he instrumentation is beautiful…delightfully understated” -realrootscafe
“how have I never heard this before? His unique style of Indie/Irish folk is not only refreshing but about as relaxing as you can get. His music challenges us no less that the poetry of Coleridge or Wordsworth would” – Gigging NI
“Paul Heaton meets Paddy McAloon. The lyrics could be read aloud as works of spoken word” – Lonesomehighway
“This is a terrific new record, from one of Ireland's most innovative and individual songwriters” – Roy Thompson BAG
“Not quite sure why this wizard of an Irish songwriter doesn't get talked about more.If you like your Go Betweens/Prefab Sprout,this is for you” – Willie Meighan – RollerCoaster Records
"not exactly easy to describe, indeed often curiously elusive, this despite the quirky style of his writing that seems to speak personally to you, involving and engaging your emotions on the spot. There's also something of a early-80s indie/new-wave feel about Cormac's inspiration (The Cure? Smiths? or maybe I'm being fanciful?) " - FATEA
Some "The moon loses its memory" quotes
"This is one album you should not ignore" - Folkwords
"O Caoimh has achieved something here that most songwriters aspire to" - Instrumentali
"will accompany me on my travels in the future, given it's uplifitng and strong pop-folk vibe" - Remy's Music & Film Guide
"An effortlessly charming album" - Songwriter Magazine
"a tour de force" - Americana UK
“a refreshingly broad album.. an amalgamation of art and music.. the result is intriguingly beautiful..I’m definitely a fan.”- Inserttitle.ie
"Leeside singer/songwriter Cormac O Caoimh explores darker subject matter on his third album and flirts with indie pop, folk and jazz among other genres" - The Daily Star
"Cormac's songs are like little sculptures... considered, shaped and honed into things of beauty that find their way to your soul."
- Fiachna Ó Braonáin (Hothouse Flowers/RTE)
"if there’s any justice in this mad musical world, those who have not heard of this man will be in the minority very soon" - Golden Plec
"it really got its claws into me...I can’t stop playing it" - Musician.ie
"this album is a tour de force" - AmericanaUK
"Cormac O Caoimh's Cork-accented folk shines..with his gentle lilt showing the strength of these songs" - The Ticket/Irish Times
"a versatile masterpiece" - Celebrity Cafe
"rooted in the ethos of Elvis Costello and Paddy McAloon" - The Sunday Times
"this a brew that's stronger than you think, you take in its smooth taste and captivating aromas, before discovering there is more strength/caffeine beneath the surface than you were expecting and it's a bit edgier than you were lead to believe." - Fatea Magazine
"This weaving, concept album is simply amazing" - GiggingNI.com
"it exudes quality lyrics and exceptional musicality"- Ralph's Life
"wonderful collection of songs by this excellent independent singer/songwriter" - Geoffrey Bennett/Musicians Together
"“Cormac O’ Caoimh’s songwriting is akin to that of the ‘80s school of wordsmiths such as Lloyd Cole, Paddy McAloon and even Elvis Costello....a songwriter to be reckoned with" - Hot Press
"placing himself at an interesting arms-length remove from the (singer-songwriter) genre..an impressive album of folk-pop songs" - we are noise
"a real tour de force...a warm folksy masterpiece..an excellent piece of work..9/10 stars" - whisperinandhollerin
"excellent songs, fine guitar work and tasteful arrangements" - Martin Bridgeman KCLR
"Subtle, thoughtful lyrics, and that smooth, honeyed delivery, make his material a joy to the listening ear" - Roy Thompson, Ballymore Acoustic Gigs
"Beautiful new album. Highly Recommended" - The 4 Of Us
"Cormac's songs are simultaneously exciting and innovative, as well as warm and accessible" - The Bard Sessions
"What is conceived here is a mark of triumph" - U&I Magazine
" his warm, intimate vocals and intricate yet free-flowing guitar playing are the real joys here, ensuring O’Caoimh’s star still shines bright" - Leonard's Lair
"an artist hitting his creative stride and one of the finest I’ve heard this year" - Niallofcork
"His warm and delicate guitar combines to make an enthralling and striking third solo album" - Fatea Magazine
For more the moon loses its memory quotes you can visit this page
Some "A New Season for Love" quotes
"Beautiful beyond words" - Mutant Space
"Feels as if you’re wrapped up in your warmest coat glimpsing some vast and beautiful landscape through the condensation laden windows" - Tom Robinson (BBC) 's Fresh on the net site
"Leaves you feeling that all can be right with the world" - Fatea Magazine
"There is true magic here" - Folk Words
"like a rich mahogany, warm and beautiful..layered and lush...a comforting feeling" - Secret Agent Mel"
"Intimate vocals, poetic and evocative lyrics and exquisitely crafted melodies-all beautifully framed within his flawless acoustic guitar work"
- The Las Angelas Beat
"Songs which speak to the subconscious and have a comfortable place in the psyche" - Drop-d
"I challenge you not to be charmed...A new season for love is an accomplished album which wears its sombre mood lightly, with pleasing pop colours." - We are noise
"A perfect album. Sublime songs. Beautiful moments" Acoustic Review
"Counting the Raindrops’, the 10th song is, in my opinion, the best song on the album and indeed one of the best songs to come out of Ireland over the last 10 years. This is to me the perfect song and ranks along the best of them even alongside Galileo and some of Cohen’s evergreens." - Musicians Together
"His voice is a wonderfully expressive instrument..the result is a cohesive and excellent album" - Leonard's Lair
"The album is a treasure trove of song. A class act. A class record" -MRU
“mature and intelligent and the albums natural feel gives it a worthy intimacy” - Hot Press
"a sweet melody of delicately written songs that soothe the soul" - Celebrity Cafe
"Perfection lies within its quietude" - Scully Love Promo
"His voice is so soft and tender. His music is really going to calm you down. Highly recommended" - Entertainment Divaz
"a lulling voice in the realm of Nick Drake, with lyrics that whisper of love and lost things and friendship, quiet poetry, weaving through a gentle Jazz vibe. .. an album full of delights, perfect for those mellower moments of dreaming." - Dungarvan Observer
"perfect as a soundtrack to a lazy Summer day. Impressive stuff!" - To U I Bestow
"The craft at work here is of a rare quality" - File Under Good Music
"I think you will be impressed" - Cork Independent
"O’Caoimh’s voice is flawless delivering songs of undoubted maturity" - Claire Kane
"seeps into your heart rendering you speechless with emotions" - Celtic Music Fan
"A haven for acoustic folk goodness. Lyrically sophisticated. Perfect chillout music" - Show me something different
For more quotes and reviews on "A New Season for love" you can visit the "A New Season for Love" Page
There is a lot of good stuff coming out of Ireland at the moment, people like Damien Rice and David Kitt and I got a cd recently from (Cormac O Caoimh of) Cork which I really like.
Ron Sexsmith
Well worth checking out. I've been listening to this all day. Lovely stuff.
Dan Hegarty, 2fm
Luminous front man Cormac O Caoimh releases his first solo album. More than your typical singer-songwriter, O Caoimh mixes pop sensibility with finely tuned song writing wrapping it all up in his soft melodic confidence and sharp lyrical commentary
Hot Press
“Corkman O Caoimh manages to avoid several of the pitfalls one would normally assocate with Irish singer-songwriters on his debut solo record. For much of the album, he sounds more like an indie-pop artist than an acoustic troubadour. ‘Deep Sea Diving has a light dreamy melody reminiscent of The Sundays, while the sweet boy-girl interplay of ‘Ghosts’ calls to mind Yo La Tengo and The Delgados.”
Hot Press
an assortment of delicious summer-kissed pop songs with instantly catchy, agreeable melodies infused with Cormac’s poetic sensibility
Partyinkingston.com, Canada
'The Citadels' were a terrific band from Cork (Ireland); sadly they are no more.
Luckily, we have this new solo album from the Citadels front man. Admirers of Prefab Sprout , Roddy Frame, or Damien Rice will likely devour this record. Cormac's lyrics are whip-smart, and his easy-going vocal style grabs the attention. From the punchy title track, all the way to the wonderful closing duet ('If You Feel') this record is a cut above, and deserves to be widely heard.
The Big TakeOver Magazine, New York
“Start a Spark,” from Cormac o Caoimh, is an album from the ex-singer/songwriter of The Citadels. This solo performer brings a bevy of musical talent to the table with his varied vocal timbres and rhythms; listeners will be dazzled by this album from start to finish
CelebrityCafe
Start A Spark is the fruit of his labor and quite an impressive work as well. The music has feet in both the pop territory as well as the roots side of things. There is no reason why Cormac shouldn't be the next big export from Ireland.
Music Emmissions
Lazy Gazing has ‘Summer radio hit’ written all over it. 'View of the World' brings to mind Elvis Costello when he was still young and angry, and 'Miles of Sky' sounds a lot like Tom Robinson. The album closes with 'If you Feel' - a melodic pop-jazz duet with a very catchy progression. Lyrically it’s a charming sentimental love song in the mode of Bill Withers 'Lean on Me'. This album grows on you like a virulent rash and is going from the review stack to my personal collection.
Musican.ie
the entire collection of songs on Start a Spark is uplifting and danceable with poetic lyrics that are just marvelously outstanding.
Indie Music Stop
Singer-Songwriter Cormac O Caoimh has crafted a superb collection of acoustic melodies on his debut album "Start a spark .
Evening Echo
some of the best songs are also the most simplistic; a gentle lilting melody and O'Caoimh's plaintive tones against a Wendy Smith soundalike strike up the perfect combination for both 'Ghosts' and 'If You Feel' whilst 'Miles Of Sky' glistens most pleasantly.
Leonards Lair
the fresh confident songwriting of Cormac O Caoimh suggests a promising future
Tom Robinson, BBC
Charming music.. Indie folk from the days of real Indie such as The Wonder Stuff and Dinosaur Jr. Makes me smile and rather giddy.
Lior Shamir - Managing Director - We are Listening
It’s difficult to pick a favourite track because the entire collection of uplifting, danceable songs and their clever, poetic lyrics are so damn good.
PartyinKingston.com
O Caoimh launched into a sharp and acerbic performance interrupted by witty and self-deprecating banter. He gave his songs even more depth and personality through careful and impressive volume control with his voice and guitar. One moment he’d be strumming wildly and barking out a chorus, only to drop to a whisper, with his fingers barely grazing the strings. He’s a very expressive and engaging performer, not to mention pretty damn funny. Cormac O Caoimh has been playing for years and he knows his shit. He’s a great songwriter and a seasoned performer. I hope he makes it back over from Ireland again soon.
Canadian Music Festival Report
Introspective without being insular, smart without being prim. Too fresh and refreshing to be mere copyist the music re-enlists "the literate early-to-mid ‘80s breezy pop heartache of Aztec Camera, Prefab Sprout and The Go Betweens.
Whisperin & Hollerin
The lyrics are clever and powerful, demanding attention. The tunes are poppy and catchy. The performance and arrangements are nigh on flawless. Both the writing and the execution are exemplary
Musician.ie
a return to those so-called old fashioned times of finely crafted tunes via folk-tinged pop
Leonard's Lair
an 'immaculate album'
Dave Wibberley Jive Records
Well worth checking out. I've been listening to this all day. Lovely stuff.
Dan Hegarty, 2fm
Talk about blessed relief, hallelujah and praise be all in one merciful musical package.
www.whisperinandhollerin.co.uk
Some great music coming out of Ireland at the moment with Damiens Rice and Dempsey, Dublin's Ten Speed Racer, Cork's Simple Kid, - and now this assured debut from THE CITADELS,
where the fresh confident songwriting of frontman Cormac O Caoimh suggests a promising future for the band.
Tom Robinson, BBC Music
Excellent. I have it on repeat on my headphones while sitting at the computer........ Worth waiting for.
GigIreland.com
'Letting Go Holding On' is an exemplary and masterful piece of work both in the musical content, lyrics and vocals
Irishbandslive.co.uk
The album is well written throughout; vocalist and guitarist Cormac O'Caoimh's quest for tunefulness throws up a number of fine songs. An album out of time but - in this case - it's a cause for celebration.
Leonard's Lair
Cormac O Caoimh uses
RedBear Picks, Godin Guitars, Schertler amps & Logjam Stompers
