Cass McCombs', Humor Risk, was released on November 7, 2011 only 7 months after the release of Wit’s End. This seems like an unorthodox maneuver for most musicians, who typically release albums annually rather than semi-annually. One may ask why McCombs has chosen to release these two records so closely.
Wit’s End is the polar opposite of Humor Risk in the sense that the “color” of each album's musical arrangements differ significantly. Wit’s End creates sepia tones and largely encompasses black and gray. The song selection has wrenching dark undertones with the abundant use of minor chords while lyrically creating a sense of struggle and utter despair. This album makes the listener wonder if McCombs was dealing with something profound in this time of his life and might beg the question, “What could have caused this musical expression?”
Humor Risk is the “sequel” to these two albums. It shows a rainbow of color and may bear resemblance to Dorothy arriving in the Land of Oz compared to Wit’s End. Humor Risk is agreeable and presents heavier guitar riffed melodies and driven by the raw, stripped down drum kit. The albums together reflect two separate moods from this artist and should be listened to as two separate musical compositions. McCombs may have felt as though he needed a follow up to Wit’s End, for this album was not complete without Humor Risk, which may be the reason for the close release dates.
Humor Risk is available to stream online at Clashmusic.com
Track Listing:
Love Thine Enemy
The Living Word
The Same Thing
To Every Man His Chimera
Robin Egg Blue
Mystery Mail
Meet Me At The Mannequin Gallery
Mariah
No comments:
Post a Comment