Mangy Love is the latest effort from American singer, songwriter and genre blender, Cass McCombs.  After eight studio albums, McCombs made the decision to switch record labels, this being his first release with “ANTI-“,  and it seem that with this McCombs has also decided to forego some of his Americana sensibilities and embrace a shimmering 80’s aesthetic , with some 70’s morning warmth intricately intertwined throughout the wholesomely smooth record.  Which is not to say that there is not a little bit of Americana that still shines through, as there are elements that still resonate in much the same way that The War on Drugs 2014 release, “Lost In The Dream” did, yet, as Mark Kozelek would say, McCombs is a little less “beer commercial” in his release. Mangy Love is at its most profound when McCombs allows some of his own personality and agenda to peer out. Take the politically fuelled “Bum Bum Bum”, the dark humour of “Rancid Girl” or the intimate, soft spoken “Laughter is the Best Medicine”.  

However, all these new elements would be completely superfluous if McCombs had decided to let his signature guitar playing a back-seat. The only constant element throughout the 12 track record is his guitar and it’s a glorious treat.  The guitar, while it does succumb to all types of effects throughout the record, it’s never done to a ridiculous degree. It’s always a subtle change, never jarring when introduced, and always a welcome addition.  The guitar is at its most effective in the track “Low Flying Bird”, which sounds like it would fit in to some kind of hazy acid trip scene in a film.

While some may find the pacing a little too slow in parts, mostly the record is a patient, song writing master class. McCombs, much like Beck or Father John Misty, has an ability to traverse many different genres and soundscapes and still be able to create a cohesive product.

If you want to get your hands on a tangible copy of Mangy Love, you're in luck. We've got a free copy to give away, so check our Facebook page for details on how to enter.

If you really need your Cass McCombs fix and you don't think a CD will suffice, he's also playing at the Rosemount on the 4th of December before heading over to Meredith to play the Meredith Music Festival . You can get your tickets for the Perth show here.