Sometimes its hard to believe how much an artist must wade through to get to where they are. Singer-songwriter's Cass McCombs early struggles in the industry are well-documented, but 10 years after the release of his debut LP A, those struggles seem fortunately distant.
The California-born McCombs, who released his seventh album Big Wheel And Others back in October, has found critical success as one of the more consistent darlings of the indie folk scene. But before all of this, McCombs was nothing more than a poor, traveling musician, trying to edge his way through in the late 90s and early 2000s. Knowing that, the dour subjects on Big Wheel And Others, such as the lead track - a spoken minute long session between McCombs and a drug-addled child - start to make more sense.
It's not a constant motif for the project, but rather a tipping point for McCombs jumping into a twisted perception of Americana. Murder, mystery, and a constant feeling of drifting helplessness come to pass on the record. But Big Wheel ... is big enough to let McCombs dance around other elements, giving more credence to the vast openness of his Western inspirations.
He'll be making his way to Philadelphia's newest venue Boot & Saddle Friday, December 13 alongside Arboretum for an intimate showcase. Tickets are on sale now for a modest $13, but don't forget to check out Boot & Saddle's awesome menu and drink list.
Big Wheel And Others is out now on Domino Records.
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