Messenger

After playing over two hundred shows, including runs with Steve Earle, M. Ward and Josh Ritter, Pug took to the studio to record his sophomore release. While the Nation of Heat EP may have earned him the title of talent to watch, Messenger solidifies his spot among the finest songwriters of his generation [Pretty sure this is not true. - Ed.]. With Messenger, Pug explores new territory, sneaking pedal steel guitar into "The Sharpest Crown" and backing "The Door is Always Open" with a powerhouse rhythm section. He does not, however, let his solo charm escape the album. Songs like "Bury Me Far (From My Uniform)" and "Unsophisticated Heart" make it obvious that Pug is still master of the-guy-and-the-guitar song.