Interior Live Oak draws from everything Cass has created over two decades of experimentation to cut through with a direct and clarifying light. Throughout, his attitude is hopeful, which may sound odd for someone who often sings about the more extreme aspects of modern life. Interior Live Oak, however, is the resolve of someone who has lived those extremes. Named after a tree species native to Northern California, the album sees McCombs incorporate the more economical song structures of his prime material with the help of some of his earliest musical cohorts, including Jason Quever (Papercuts) and Chris Cohen. McCombs recorded much of the new material in the Bay Area, not far from where they had cut their musical teeth. Additional recording in New York City brought with it contributions from other perennial collaborators such as Matt Sweeney and Mike Bones.