Cass McCombs: Wit's End

Categories: Review Roundup

wits-end.jpeg
Cass McCombs - Wit's End
​Well it's finally here -- the last and final Tuesday of April. We've seen many a solid new release throughout the month, and the prospect of a promising May and June await the collective fancies of new music fans. Today's focus falls on venerable singer/songwriter Cass McCombs and his fifth sudio album Wit's End.

McCombs has built a brilliant resume since he began recording in 2002, being labeled as "unobtrusively brilliant" by famed BBC disc jockey/journalist John Peel. Wit's End has already been labeled as "miserable American folk" and "a downer" by some, yet there is an intangible beauty in what McCombs accomplishes over his eight tracks. Sure, Wit's End won't exactly leave you feeling upbeat and peppy, but for those that can see past McCombs' demure style, there exists something truly astonishing in the man's music.

What the critics are saying:

The Quietus: Once in its jaws, Wit's End slowly and methodically eats away at the subconscious like a Venus fly-trap dissolving its prey.

Consequence of Sound: The slow, unassuming nature of the song sets the stage for the rest of the album, as these eight songs fail to outwardly demand your attention but earn it with their masterful execution and subtleties.

Spin: Wit's End is even more hushed and sluggish than 2009's Catacombs, leaving lighter Dylanesque fare for depressive Leonard Cohen depths.

Pitchfork: So yeah, this record is a downer. But there's rare beauty in such darkness, too-- just look at forebears like Leonard Cohen, Elliott Smith, and Nick Drake. Or even Edgar Allan Poe. Because, along with its mopiness, WIT'S END is creepy as hell.

Wit's End is out now via Domino.

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Music Newsletter: Keep your thumb on the local music scene with music features, additional online music listings and show picks. We'll also send special ticket offers and music promotions available only to our Music Newsletter subscribers.

Privacy Policy
Sign up for free stuff, news info & more!

Tools

Clubs

Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places

    Voice Places

    Discover restaurants, nightlife, travel, shopping...

  • VOICE Daily Deals

    VOICE Daily Deals

    Get 50 to 90% off every day on restaurants, movies, massages...

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    More than 10,000 of the BEST things to eat, drink, and experience

  • My Voice Nation

    My Voice Nation

    Join the Village Voice community and get exclusive deals and info

  • Happy Hour

    Happy Hour

    Your local Happy Hour guide at your fingertips

or

Log in or Sign up

Social Connect:

Use your favorite account to access My Voice Nation.


Use your My Voice Nation account to log in:





Forgot password?
or

Sign Up or Log in

Social Connect:

Sign up for My Voice Nation with your preferred network.


Sign up for a My Voice Nation account:



Privacy policy