MessengerIndependent * * *

This 25-year-old, Chicago- born singer-songwriter created a viral marketing stir by giving away a two-track sampler of his debut EP. So does Pug have something worthwhile to offer other than a sharp line in marketing? The answer is a solid yes. These 10 songs reveal an assured writer of vulnerable, introspective songs - but also one, surprisingly, capable of leading a band on more brash electric journeys. The country-ish title track and the ringing Speak Plainly, Diana bookend nine songs that betray influences of early Dylan. There's arguably too much Dylan on the raw anti-war song Bury Me Far (From My Uniform), but Pug also echoes more contemporary Americans such as Slaid Cleaves. Strong tracks include How Good You Are, The Door Was Always Openand Unsophisticated Heart, all of which display Pug's lyrical skill and his ear for a decent melody. See joepugmusic.com

Download tracks: How Good You Are, Speak Plainly, Diana