Album Review: Cass McCombs - 'Catacombs'

“Not another country-folk American hipster,” you may cry, but this fella is something altogether different from your Oldhams and Ivers. You’re led into ‘Catacombs’ by the primitive lure of guitar, percussion and a seductively pure voice. But once in the darkness, hypnotised by the country swagger of ‘Dreams-Come-True-Girl’, McCombs then shines a light on some unexpected corners. ‘You Saved My Life’ sounds almost like The Human League; an atmospheric, deeply romantic pop gem. ‘My Sister, My Spouse’ is a midnight howl that’s like Lou Reed at his most grimly fearless, and perfectly melodic, while ‘Lionkiller Got Married’ sounds like late Joy Division. This is an album of long, mysterious love songs to get lost in for days – seek it out.

Martin Robinson

More on this artist:
Cass McCombs NME Artist Page
Cass McCombs MySpace

8 out of 10