Massy Ferguson - Victory and Ruins
by Carl Bookstein
published: 13 / 7 / 2014
Label:
Spark and Shine Records
Format: CD
intro
Effective roots rock on third album from Seattle-based Americana act, Massy Ferguson
Massy Ferguson has the roots-based bar band sound down pat. While their latest album 'Victory & Ruins' doesn’t offer any breakthrough novel new concept, they execute their sound and their influences very effectively. 'Hello!' is straight ahead Americana, beginning the album with their rocking bar band approach capturing their show nights and backstage vistas succinctly'- upbeat and likable. 'Renegade' is earthy and appealing with stinging guitar that brings to mind the classics from Springsteen on down to southern rock to 1970's rock radio fare. Singer-bassist Ethan Anderson sings about "'Solsbury Hill' playing on the battery." There is also a distinct more recent trace of Jay Farrar and Son Volt here as well as the Jayhawks. Perhaps a bit more basic, but somehow bar band poetic. Lyrics like 'Evangeline, 2AM beauty queen' are effective. 'The Hard Way' offers a nice vocal duet with Zoe Muth and her country inflected honeyed croon- a countrified tune with something of a down south feel. 'Compromised Intentions' offers dirty electric guitar and an appealing melody: “You got to go and stake your claim/There’s a place for you in the end.” 'Apartment Downtown' is a tender piece and there is perhaps a touch of 'Nebraska- era Springsteen. The closer 'Bring Something Back' speaks to loss and leaving with effective imagery of red roses and pink carnations as a peace offering for a lover’s return.
Track Listing:-
1 Hello!2 Renegade
3 2 Am Beauty Queen
4 Everything's Done
5 The Hard Way (feat. Zoe Muth)
6 Flexed-Arm Hang
7 Compromised Intentions
8 Wait Love Maybe
9 Labour in Vain
10 Apartment Downtown
11 Bring Something Back
Band Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/massyfergusonhttp://www.massyfergusonband.com/
https://twitter.com/massyferguson
Label Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/SparkandShine/bandcamp
soundcloud
reviews |
Great Divides (2019) |
Classic American roots rock on firth album from Pacific Northwest country outfit Massy Ferguson |
most viewed articles
current edition
Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies - Sala Apolo, Barcelona, 29/11/2023 and La Paqui, Madrid, 30/11/2023Anthony Phillips - Interview
Difford and Tilbrook - Difford and Tilbrook
Rain Parade - Interview
Oldfield Youth Club - Interview
Autumn 1904 - Interview
Shaw's Trailer Park - Interview
Cafe No. 9, Sheffield and Grass Roots Venues - Comment
Chris Hludzik - Vinyl Stories
Pete Berwick - ‘Too Wild to Tame’: The story of the Boyzz:
most viewed reviews
current edition
Serious Sam Barrett - A Drop of the Morning DewMarika Hackman - Big Sigh
Rod Stewart and Jools Holland - Swing Fever
Loves - True Love: The Most of The Loves
Ian M Bailey - We Live in Strange Times
Paul McCartney and Wings - Band on the Run
Autumn 1904 - Tales of Innocence
Roberta Flack - Lost Takes
Banter - Heroes
Posey Hill - No Clear Place to Fall
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart