Cormac O Caoimh is a Cork singer-songwriter, classical guitarist, and the former singer of the band The Citadels. He releases his sixth studio album `Where The World Begins` this month where the songs have a common theme that covers parenthood, autism, and love.
We are led gently into this release with `My Little Buddha` a reflective number on whom I presume is the singer`s own son. A wonderfully observative reflection on a child`s secret world where you feel privileged to be a participant. The backing vocals and tinkling keys add a further tender poignancy to this number. There`s plenty of emotion shared on `A Good Place For You` which alludes to the inevitability of what happens to a vulnerable child / person who may not be able to live an independent life and what awaits them if or possibly when their parents or guardian passes.
`Stay Calm` has a kind of inner monologue which almost becomes a mantra. It also touches on how your behaviour can affect your child. It`s almost a guide as to how to not be overcome with the helplessness of the situation at times. The musical support and backing harmonies almost mirror the relaxed atmosphere required. There`s a fairly jazzy vibe to `When Someone Said It Must Be Hard`. The title refers to the kind of well-intentioned statement or phrase said with best of intentions that i`m sure must really irk at times and draw resentment of somebody who is unknown to the recipient.
`Jealousy` echoes the suppressed envy, shame and at times resentment of others that surfaces sporadically as to their ability to undertake spontaneous events, attend sporting occasions or to just go out to eat. We enjoy an electronic string arrangement on this wistful composition where your innermost desire is to just hide away. We have a breezy upbeat offering in `Upside Up` where the unexpected consequence of individuals who require assistance brings unexpected joy and happiness into one`s life.
We have a similar reflection on `There Is A World` and the delight that comes from being allowed to share the unique sphere that your vulnerable child inhabits. The number itself has a fairly spiritual quality about it. The introspective `Aliens` has an odd almost sci fi soundscape about it with orchestrated strings and lyrics that I have to admit were fairly deep and possibly beyond my understanding, perhaps a reflection on life and mortality.
`There Must Be A Catch` to me had a sort of Latin rhythm and alluded to the positive saying that every cloud has a silver lining but balanced with that maybe there’s a trap somewhere on route. But as long as the good days outnumber the bad, all’s well. The album concludes with the title track `Where The World Begins` which is a stripped back submission with piano and vocals. It appears to be a reaffirmation that you`ll always be there, the rock in your child`s life.
`Where The World Begins` is a challenging but ultimately rewarding listen as the subject matter is so personal to the singer and reflects some brutally honest inner thoughts and fears. I worked for six months where I attempted to support vulnerable adults to gain a supportive independent living and the concerns their parents expressed was as to what would happen to their adult child when they were no longer able or around to provide care and support. This album reflects those worries and more, not in a preachy manner but in a way that ensures empathy, which to me has a greater influence.
Cormac O Caoimh supplied vocals, guitars, and keys with Aoife Regan`s vocal support, Fergal O’Leary providing bass on a number of tracks and Martin Leahy playing drums and bass on other numbers.
`Where The World Begins` while being a personal account, has emotions that move from helplessness and vulnerability to realise a real upbeat and optimistic conclusion.
Rating 9 /10
