Massy Ferguson - Victory and Ruins

by Carl Bookstein

published: 13 / 7 / 2014

Label: Spark and Shine Records
Format: CD

Effective roots rock on third album from Seattle-based Americana act, Massy Ferguson

Review

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