MOG Editorial Review

Less than six months after releasing the excellent Wit's End, singer-songwriter Cass McCombs is already back with another album, one that lightens the mood without sacrificing his sharp songwriting. Within seconds of opener "Love Thine Enemy," it's clear that McCombs is putting his dark, sparse arrangements aside in favor of something bouncier. While McCombs still sounds clever and moody (especially on standout "To Every Man His Chimera"), his lyrics can be viewed in a different context for once, even in a way that feels positive thanks to a fully realized rock sound. Either way, comparing McCombs' two albums side-by-side make for interesting comparison, providing you with two different soundtracks depending on your mood, each illuminating in their own way.