Uniquely talented Cass McCombs for Galway concert

The superb American songwriter Cass McCombs comes to the city’s Róisín Dubh venue on Saturday, January 21.

Mangy Love, which he released last year, was his eighth studio album.  The record was on the ANTI record label, which is its own stamp of ineffable cool – Tom Waits and Nick Cave have both released albums with the American label.

Mangy Love opens with Bum Bum Bum, an understated gem that brings to mind the work of the much-missed Elliot Smith. The indie-bible – and often fussy – Pitchfork magazine gave the album a rating of 8.1. The reviewer made the accurate observation that Cass McCombs is “in a strange position now of being a veteran songwriter who we’re just getting to know”.

Mangy Love was written during a particularly harsh winter in New York City and while Cass while travelling in Ireland – which may, or may not, explain the opening coda to Laughter is the Best Medicine. A saxophone and flute combine over an easygoing shuffle to give a Van Morrison vibe to the song.

Elsewhere, the album ventures into psychedelia, rock and soul, which gives a good idea into what to expect from Cass McComb’s show. The Californian songwriter could be described as something of an undiscovered gem, and this gig may well introduce you to his work for the first time. Highly recommended.

■ Doors at 8pm, tickets €16/€14.