Album Review: Cormac O Caoimh - Swim Crawl Walk Run

Cormac O Caoimh's fifth studio record is bathed in sunlight, a warm ode to love, life and the difficulties in between. Armed mainly with an acoustic guitar and a diverse array of supporting instruments, he artfully captures emotions with vibrant lyrics. The production is light but substantial, feeling simultaneously polished and effortless as the album flows together throughout a well-curated 37 minute run time.

Among sunny instrumentals, his songs of hope are poignant. Opener 'You Won't Break Me' starts the record off with an anthem of resilience before smoothly transitioning to the nostalgia-heavy 'When My Kids Grow Too Old To Hold Hands'. The latter track, with its bouncy melody, reminisces on the joys of childhood and freedom. He bades farewell to the past, but holds on to the joy and love that remain. Love remains a constant theme through the record, weaving together stories of insecurity and fresh starts. Track 'Untitled' stands out as a surprising favourite, shining with deeply honest lyrics over minimal instrumentation. Cormac artfully captures self-doubt and consequent strength in an overall uplifting tale full of stark imagery. 'Pocketful Of Doodlings' is another strong track on the record, once again showcasing Cormac's knack for vibrant songwriting. There's a taste of jazz infused into the folk song, with upright bass injecting a distinct coolness among his storytelling.

'Swim Crawl Walk Run' is a delightfully sunny, yet poignant collection of tracks that display Cormac's prowess as an folk-pop artist.