In addition to Elbow, one of our most highly anticipated acts at HSBF was the ridiculously gifted singer-songwriter, Cass McCombs.  McComb’s “Wits End” album was a dark, chamber-ish endeavor that has shown up on a lot of Top 10 lists this year.  He’s set to release yet another album, on November 7th entitled “The Humor Risk” on Domino Records. According to Domino’s press release, the new album is “an attempt at laughter instead of confusion, chaos instead of morality, or, as fellow Northern Californian Jack London said, “I would rather be ashes than dust!” Musically, it is more rhythm-based, tempos swifter to nearly rocking, than the sparse Wit’s End.”

McCombs and band delivered en exemplary set of music at HSBF, appreciated for its subtlety and restraint that perfectly accented the magnificent melodies and plush playing.  Check out some videos below from HSBF, including his great Not the Way, and the uber-catchy song, County Line (though, apologies, we missed the beginning again).