Review: This collection takes us back to singer/songwriter Cass McCombs formative years, offering up music recorded between 1999 and 2001 while he was living in San Francisco. McCoombs subsequently washed up in New York, on the back of extensive touring of the United States, and bagged a deal with 4AD. Effectively, this is an "origin story" release that showcases material laid to tape in a Bay Area apartment, rather than a professional studio. Atmospheric and naturally lo-fi, the recordings are rooted in a laidback Americana and electric neo-folk, albeit with a woozy, dreamy and meditative, effects-laden finish. Sparse, heady and with a vocal style that leans towards 'Screamadelica' era Bobby Gillespie, it's a fine collection of previously unheard gems.
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