Seattle alt-country rockers Massy Ferguson are at a stage in their career where they know what suits them best. It would be mistaken to say that this album differs too much from the previous releases that really started to gain traction with 2014s VICTORY AND RUINS. The most recent release coincided with a UK visit in 2019, just prior to an enforced reset, at least from the touring angle. Now back and firing on all cylinders, Ethan Anderson and his sidekicks are set to carry on where they left off with JOE'S MEAT & GROCERY the perfect accompaniment for normal service to be resumed.
This album comprises of a dozen tracks, all but one Massy originals. The odd one out being a cover of Seattle supergroup The Cupholders 'You Don't Bother Me'. This acoustic effort slips unassumingly into the last slot leaving the band to largely solely own the domain and ram home the Massy Ferguson that fans across the continent and beyond have come to love.
For anybody new to Massy Ferguson just imagine a country upbringing soaked in the grungy sounds of the Pacific North West. There is a raw punk sound to the finished product and in some spheres can be described as hard edged blue collar twang. You get a sense that the band have hardened their sound for an album named after a real life store personal to band member Adam Monda. Also honoured in the liner notes as being just as influential on this latest release as band founder Ethan Anderson.
Right from opener 'Miles Away', Massy quickly find their guitar riff, drums and gruff vocal groove before hitting the cruise control button. Songwriting also plays a key role in the music of Massy Ferguson with second track 'Save What Couldn't Be Saved' proving the pick of the story songs. Lyrically, there is reference to the UK city of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in 'Backspin'. A sense of irony since Ethan and the boys were last seen in the UK in the summer of 2019 playing aboard a boat cruising up the Tyne to the mouth of the North Sea. Other tracks to prick the ear on this rampant release are the different feel to 'I Don't Know Why', the rough edged 'Sister Roll Up' and a potential stand out tune in 'Off My Mind'.
While some records are designed for a personal listening experience, JOE'S MEAT & GROCERY has a social feel to it. Obviously it is primed for a live airing, but in the event of this not being practical it can be enjoyed in a variety of settings and does not require undisturbed attention. Given only the slightest of gaps presents no obstacle for Massy Ferguson to penetrate their music. This album lives up to that pretence and any scene embracing them is richer for their presence.