Rick J Bowen
Massy Ferguson
Hard Water
Spark and Shine
Seattle’s Massy Ferguson may not be the next E Street Band, but they are surely disciples of the Boss and his working class anthems filled with local color, soaring dynamics, and sweaty bravado.
Hard Water, the bands third release after working hard to make themselves a fixture in the Northwest roots and Americana scene, represents a well earned maturity. The opening track, “Long Time No See,” jumps out with bright jangling guitars and Ethan Anderson’s raspy tenor recalling early REM mixed with Tom Petty. The fine quartet of guitars, drums and keys are joined with great effect by Jason Kardong on pedal steel lending an air of authenticity to their self described “twang rock.”With standout tracks “Wenatchee Eyes” and “Freedom County,” Massy Ferguson gives us a taste of the flavors in Washington state beyond Seattle and grunge.
Originally appeared in Innocent Words
