Cass McCombs - Humor Risk

This man, Cass McCombs, bloody love him and his music. And as he hates the music industry and doing big tours etc etc, I feel blessed to high heaven that I've actually had the opportunity to see him live (this time 3 years ago actually). He's brillo.
When I got the opportunity to get an advanced copy of his new album, Humor Risk, and review it for Waxxx Magazine, obviously I jumped at the chance. Here's what I wrote - although seeing I went over my word-count maybe it got edited down. As long as they kept the score the same I don't care.

Cass McCombs – Humor Risk

As someone who has been a fan of Cass McCombs for many years, I awaited his new album with much anticipation. In fact, scratch that; it was more like full-on, salvating, hysteria. For those unaware of McCombs’ musical genius, let me give you a brief overview; an American singer-songwriter, he is quite unlike the stereotypical confessional and self-obsessed tits who grace most of the radio airwaves. He instead describes the lives and emotions of those around him, with love rather than judgement, and wit rather than despair, all wrapped up in well-crafted and generous songs. Described as “unobtrusively brilliant” by John Peel, or the more punchy “fucking boss” by my usual musical dealer, for a long time he has been a secret pleasure I shared only with my closest friends.

Did I big him up too much? Thankfully the little man from California did not leave me red-faced. The moment opening track Love Thine Enemy began, a humongous grin replaced the nervous grimace I had across my face. Roaring straight into a rhythmic tempo, a deep riff and an infectious melody, here was the promise of an album quite different to its predecessor. McCombs is known to be shy in person and incredibly mistrustful of the music industry, and this was made more apparent in the rather sparse and despairing album Wit’s End. Luckily for us, he has been extremely forth giving in his song-writing this time. Highlights include The Same Thing, Robin Egg Blue and Mystery Mail, all boasting a swift and joyous beat, a base-line to get the most immobile of limbs rocking and melodies to occupy your mind for days on end.

For all the die-hard Cass McCombs fans, or even those who just have one or two of his other albums, this is a return to the music we all know and love (we’ll just discount Wit’s End for now). If this is the first time you’ve ever come across his name, then all I can do is slap you silly and implore that you listen to this album and submerge yourself in auditory nirvana. And then listen to the rest of his discography. Do it.

8.5/10