Tip of the Sphere

Released in 2019, Tip of the Sphere marks a shift in Cass McCombs' recording process, moving from his usual piecemeal studio approach to a more cohesive, live-band session at Sam Cohen's Brooklyn studio. This transition is audible in the album's sprawling, improvisational structures, particularly on tracks like 'I Followed the River South to What' and the epic closer 'Rounder.' While McCombs has always flirted with psychedelic folk, this record leans harder into the 'jam' aesthetic, drawing frequent comparisons to the Grateful Dead's more exploratory periods. Lyrically, the album continues his fascination with the American underbelly and nomadic life, blending social commentary with surrealist imagery. Critics, including those at AllMusic, praised the album for its sonic depth and McCombs' ability to make complex, often dark subject matter feel effortless and melodic. It stands as one of his most expansive and musically adventurous works to date.