Rare Cass McCombs tracks from late 1990s Bay Area scene released

American musician Cass McCombs is set to release a compilation of early recordings titled Seed Cake On Leap Year. The album will be available on November 8th through Domino Records. This collection consists of previously unreleased tracks that were recorded during the period between 1999 and 2000 at the San Francisco apartment of Jason Quever, located at 924 Fulton Street. During this time, McCombs was living in nearby Berkeley, California.

Title: Seed Cake On Leap Year
Artist: Cass McCombs
Release Date: 2024-11-08
Genres: Art Rock, Folk Rock
Label: Domino
Description: Cass McCombs releases Seed Cake On Leap Year, a collection of early unreleased tracks recorded during his time in Berkeley from 1999 to 2000.

The late 1990s saw the Bay Area develop into a hub for a variety of artists, many of whom were part of McCombs’ close community. Musicians such as Papercuts, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, Chris Cohen’s Curtains, and Mt. Egypt were among those involved in this creative circle. The atmosphere of the time emphasized artistic authenticity and intimacy, with much of the music shared primarily within small groups of friends. This community was also influenced by the surrounding cultural elements, including graffiti artists, skateboarders, and veterans of the 1960s counterculture.

The recordings featured in Seed Cake On Leap Year represent a period in McCombs’ career that came before his broader exposure to a larger audience. Shortly after this phase, McCombs embarked on extensive travels across the United States, eventually settling in New York City, where he would create music that reached a wider audience. The album captures a raw and unpolished aspect of his work from this early era.

Cass McCombs was born on November 13, 1977, in Concord, California. He began his music career in the early 2000s and has released a number of albums that span a range of genres, including indie rock, folk, and psychedelic music. His lyrics often explore themes such as existentialism, death, and politics. After living in various cities across the United States, including Baltimore and New York City, McCombs became known for his diverse musical influences and unique approach to songwriting. Over his career, he has released albums such as A, Wit’s End, Humor Risk, and Big Wheel and Others. Collaborating with a range of musicians and artists, McCombs has steadily built a reputation for his innovative sound and reflective lyrics. He and the Meat Puppets co-headlined a tour in 2014.

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