Who would have ever thought that “easy listen” would be an accurate way to describe a Cass McCombs album? Slight, yet noticeable shift in sound highlights both the lyrics and McCombs’ warm voice – his strongest points. But don’t judge it too fast, Mangy Love might not be exactly what you would think it is.
With first proper record in 3 years, also first to his new label ANTI-, Cass McCombs proves he’s still one of the best songwriters out there. Mangy Love is more accessible than his biggest singles and features his strongest material yet (which is a big thing to say considering the fact that this is his eight release). Though it’s 10 songs shorter than his previous, 22 track long double album Big Wheel and Others, it’s certainly not a bite-sized record.
What is Mangy Love then? Plainly, a complex album full of contrasts. We have songs that hit heavy topics such as racism and murder (Bum Bum Bum) or depression (Opposite House) and then some bizarre reggae-ish jams (Run Sister Run) or Kurt Vile-like cuts (Rancid Girl). Then a brilliant take on mythical Greek muse, a story, which takes place in a Chinese alley or a song in which McCombs could be actually reading his drunken tweets (Cry).
To some people this might be off-putting. Sure, you may not find here next County Lines or You Saved My Lifes. Sure, it is in fact ridiculous and sometimes even cliché. But this is all what makes this album so great, it’s somehow his most consistent and complete record yet.
4.5 / 5