Audio Mixer: Andrew Scheps.

Recording information: Baltimore, MD (2004-2006); Die Sect, Pasadena, CA (2004-2006); Hot Pie, Pasadena, CA (2004-2006); New York, NY (2004-2006).

Photographers: Cass McCombs; Aaron Shugart Brown.

The third album by Cass McCombs finds the singer-songwriter working on a broad sonic and stylistic canvas. Moving between and blending together singer-songwriter fare (think Iron & Wine or M. Ward) with country, rock, chamber pop, and a distinctively indie sensibility, McCombs casts a seductive spell with his swirling arrangements, poetic lyrics, and compelling hooks. There is also a gentle psychedelic lilt to the album, making DROPPING THE WRIT seem like a hazy dream had by a very smart, sensitive, talented human. This album lets us fully inhabit that dream, and to claim it, perhaps, for ourselves.