Cass McCombs has surprised fans with the release of Seed Cake on Leap Year, a collection of unreleased music recorded between 1999 and 2000, marking his return to Domino.
This release comes shortly after the reissues of his earlier works, Not the Way EP, A, and PREfection. Seed Cake on Leap Year is a snapshot of McCombs’ early career, recorded at Jason Quever’s apartment in San Francisco while McCombs was living in Berkeley.
Alongside the album’s release, McCombs has also unveiled videos for three songs from the collection: Anchor Child, Baby, and I’ve Played This Song Before.
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Seed Cake on Leap Year showcases the hallmarks of McCombs’ artistry—graceful melodies and lyrical depth that intertwine timeless themes with modern truths. On the track I’ve Played This Song Before, McCombs delivers the opening line, “Songs are sung every day/So what can I say to find my own way?” charting a path that is both steeped in tradition and forward-thinking.
In the late 90s, the Bay Area nurtured a tight-knit artist community, including names like Papercuts, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, and Chris Cohen’s Curtains. McCombs, immersed in this scene, collaborated with Quever, resulting in these recordings that reflect a blend of folk, blues, and gospel influences. Tracks like Anchor Child offer allegorical storytelling with a personal edge, reflecting McCombs’ own restless spirit.
This brief but productive phase in McCombs’ career predates his move to New York City, where he would reach a broader audience. Seed Cake on Leap Year remains raw, honest, and vibrant, offering a glimpse into McCombs’ early creative process while reinforcing the depth of his catalogue.
Stream Seed Cake on Leap Year now
