Humor Risk

Released in late 2011, Humor Risk arrived a mere seven months after the critically lauded Wit's End. While both albums were recorded during the same period, they represent opposite ends of McCombs' creative spectrum. Humor Risk was described by the artist as the 'raw food diet' to the 'stew' of Wit's End, emphasizing its punchy, immediate, and less-labored production style. The album leans heavily into a full-band sound, characterized by dusty electric guitar work and a rhythmic propulsion that evokes the 'on the road' aesthetic of 1970s singer-songwriters like JJ Cale or Lou Reed. Lyrically, McCombs continues his exploration of the American psyche, populating his songs with fringe characters and abstract moral dilemmas. The record was praised for its spontaneity and its ability to balance catchy, melodic hooks with challenging, long-form compositions like the nearly eight-minute 'Mystery Mail'. It stands as a pivotal moment in his discography, bridging the gap between his folk roots and his more experimental rock tendencies.