Jesse Mac Cormack: LBTA
The award-winning Montreal songsmith delivers atmospheric art-rock featuring plaintive vocals.
By Kerry Doole
Jesse Mac Cormack - LBTA (Secret City): It has been just over a year since this Montreal-based singer/songwriter released his much-decorated album, Now, winner of a Félix award at the 2019 ADISQ Awards for Best Anglophone album of the year, and recipient of almost three million streams.
After recently sharing three remixes from that album, he delivers a brand new track, LBTA.
In a press release, Cormack shares the topic of his song: “It is basically about anxiety in relationships. How it blocks you from simply being there and living in the present as it happens. Being stuck in a loop where you are always looking back and thinking ahead.”
The tune is a mesmerising slab of atmospheric art-rock, with Cormacks's plaintive vocals placed amidst a moody soundscape. The song was mixed by Grammy-award winner John Congleton (David Byrne, The War on Drugs, Suuns), and Radiohead works as a reference point. At 5.17 in length, this isn't destined for commercial radio, but it merits attention.
Known as a skilled guitarist, Cormack has also produced Helena Deland's acclaimed Altogether Unaccompanied, as well as work by Rosie Valland, Philippe Brach and others.
Links
PR: Kim Juneja, Take Aim
Paul McCartney at TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario, on Nov. 21, 2025.Mike Highfield
TD ColiseumCourtesy Photo