Austin, Tx based singer-songwriter Joe Pug has experienced a few twists and turns in his yet short career, seen both ups and downs as in 2014 he became burnt out. Four years of constant touring had taken its toll. But after taking stock of his life he is now back in the thick of it (he must think it is after all better than working at his former vocation, that of a carpenter). Windfall not only took him back into the recording studio, but become a better artist, the songs and weighted level of emotion reel the listener in from the off. It is essential stuff!!! Americana singer-songwriter country, road travel, sometimes with signs of weariness, but always with an enriched soul showing through decorate the album. Just like tinsel, glitter and bells a Christmas tree.
Pug’s songs are a study, deep, and at the same time clever, the kind you want to hear again and again. Heard at best though the likes of “Great Hosannas”, “Burn And Shine” and the song that kicks the album into gear “Veteran Fighter”. Plus there’s a good few more, and though not toe tappers or rockers the hypnotic nature of them entice the listener to become closer. No matter that in doing so, there may well be hidden danger. A danger to one’s soul as he sings “Stay And Dance”, or as he speaks of how life is a highway with run down hotels and of making his way out East on “O My Chesapeake” hope in the wind.
After his initial albums of Messenger (2010) and The Great Despiser (2012) also on Lightnin’ Rod (Jason Isbell, Billy Joe Shaver) stateside Windfall finds Pug mold together thoughts that survived those hard times. Days when he became like an old burnt out car wreck, but after setting up camp in Lexington, Kentucky he delivered this top class record. Some see influences of the likes of Josh Ritter Ryan Adams and M. Ward, but I would prefer to go for an all too often overlooked Greg Trouper (excellent, travel projected swaying “Windfallen” is a good comparison) as he weaves in and out of troubled scenarios, but like with the lyrics of hope and belief on “If I Still Can’t Be Found” (with Wilco’s Pat Sansone) ‘There is a road I know I’ll always find, And if it can’t be found it’ll probably be for the best’ and ‘If I lost my grip, I would not despair’. In a very short time Pug has not only made three albums but also grown in strength, his stout show of resilience establishing a steadfast base for future projects.
Maurice Hope