Joe Pug’s bio reads like a how-to manual for aspiring singer-songwriters. He gave up college, moved across the country to Chicago, and took up a dual life, spending his days as a carpenter and his nights writing songs. Even his approach is familiar: honest folk music simply constructed from voice, acoustic guitar and the occasional harmonica. It’s not hard to see why he’s been compared to the Bob Dylan and Josh Ritter, the earlier versions of both. But despite the borrowed formula that built Nation of Heat, Joe Pug stands out and demands attention.
The seven songs that make up Nation of Heat examine spirituality, heartache and freedom through hyper-literate, first-person observations. Pug’s voice is big and confident, and each note he sings comes with more life than his 23 years should allow. “Hymn #101,” the EP’s strongest track, supplies challenging lyrics (They say I come with less than I should rightfully posses/I say the more I buy the more I’m bought/And the more I’m bought the less I cost) that stick with you long after the music stops. Nation of Heat is full of lyrics like these that leave you obliged to listen again – to pick out some new piece of Pug’s puzzle that takes shape the longer you ponder.
The EP is strong throughout, but other standouts include “Speak Plainly Diana” and the closing title track. Pug plans a full-length release in 2009, but for now he needs your help getting the word out. Send him an e-mail and he’ll send you free CD samplers to enjoy and share with your friends.
Joe Pug – “Hymn #101″
For more Joe Pug check out LaundroMatinee’s superb new video session including two unreleased songs, and Pug on NPR’s Mountain Stage, which includes a cover of Willie Dixon’s “I Want to be Loved.”
