Joe Pug
Windfall
(Lightning Rod)
Indie-folk that draws a wide array of comparisons from Ryan Adams to Springsteen, Pug’s 3rd album takes the straight forward route with contemplative songs where beauty results from the darker moments of life. While Pug’s strong voice and gently picked guitar are the focal point, the occasional harmonica, keys or pedal steel point towards Americana or even ’70s soul, giving the listener other avenues of his talent to absorb. Ultimately, it seems Windfall was conceived just as much for Pug as his fans, and comes off like a catharsis of the most sophisticated kind. (Tom Haugen)