Cass McCombs performed at Stubb's on Saturday, January 14.
Opening up for the acclaimed singer-songwriter was folk musician Frank Fairfield. Fairfield looks and sounds like he belongs somewhere in the early 1900s. From his vintage attire, to his distinguishable mustache, it is easy to be distracted by the musician's appearance. That is, before he performs: with an arsenal of stringed instruments at his disposal, Fairfield revisits old-time American arrangements, resulting in a congregation of hand claps, foot stomps and animal-like howls.
Cass McCombs' songs are like the nomadic lifestyle he lives: they remain dormant and reclusive for periods of time, crescendoing with each and every step into the mysterious, only to end in a place much different than its beginning. This is what makes McCombs such a compelling artist; his songs flourish with psychedelic-tinged strangeness, supported by a poppy backbone that adds to his musical appeal.
Frank Fairfield started off the night; as the reserved Fairfield took to the front of the stage, the audience remained quiet and observant as the musician picked up a banjo. Suddenly, the quiet Fairfield had been replaced by a maniacal madman - going into "Someday You'll be Free," Fairfield began to pluck at his banjo with frenetic ferocity, the banjo screaming out as Fairfield sung in a mumbled manner.
Ending with the medley, "Right Whiskey/Texas Farewell," Fairfield stood up, possessed by some musical demon as he stared out into the crowd with a sinister eye. People began to clap, stomp the floor, and howl as the song began to pick up in speed, Fairfield's body moving uncontrollably, each stroke of his violin hard and forceful.
Following Fairfield's performance was Cass McCombs. Accompanied by his band members, McCombs took to the stage, making one request before the show began. "Can you turn down the lights," asked McCombs. The stage turned pitch black, resulting in applause from the audience. Going into "Bobby, King of Boys Town," McCombs' jangling guitar sent everybody swaying back and forth, as laid-back drums forced everybody to bob their heads.
Playing songs off of his 2009 release, Catacombs, McCombs went into "Don't Vote," and "Harmonia." The darkness swallowed us whole as the band began "Harmonia." From the steel guitar to the fluid strums of the bass guitar, "Harmonia" was euphoric. McCombs also sang "Jersey river water," and his voice was soft and veiled behind the tranquil sounds of his band.
Ending with "County Line," the band descended into a somber abyss. Subtle keyboards splashed out occasionally, accompanying McCombs as he sang a melancholy, "what did I do to have to make you want me?" The band kept a groove as McCombs soloed, his lightly strummed guitar leaving audience members in a daze.
McCombs' performance was intimate and soothing. The artist has a knack for creating memorable, catchy songs that come to life during his live performances.