Mercury Lounge New York, NY
Contact: doug@bigfeatpr.com
Web: fergusonsongs.com
Players: Ian Ferguson, vocals, rhythm guitar; Ben Giesecke, lead guitar; Dylan Sevey, drums; Scott Schmadeke, bass
Ferguson, named for its creator Ian Ferguson, showcased their brand of indie rock at Mercury Lounge in New York’s Lower East Side. Mixing Brit, progressive, and psychedelic rock, they meld these styles into a sound that never fails to keep you engaged—with changing rhythms and moods they are always energized, but with a lo-fi vibe.
They opened the set leaning more towards progressive rock, performing “State of Gold” with its big bold drum intro and electric guitar motif a la Jethro Tull, throughout. “Love Crime,” a Beatlesque piece, evident in vocal style and spirit, is reminiscent of “Come Together.” “I Do Not Mind,” a lilting, laid back number in 6/8 time, lyrically follows suit: “I do not mind, wasting some time, just as long as I waste it with you, I will not find my peace of mind, unless I’m standing close by to you.” They also covered Rocky Burnette’s “Tired of Towin’ the Line.”
The musical diversity of each song is their strong suit, rather than big, splashy choruses. Ian Ferguson’s vocals sit firmly in a tenor range, but he can spring unexpectedly into a high falsetto. Also providing the rhythm guitar foundation, he leaves the major lead lines and guitar licks to Giesecke. Sevey on drums and Schmadeke on bass are the outfits’ driving force.
Packing as much music into the 45-minute set as time would allow, Ferguson took a moment here and there to interact with the audience, referencing his hipster, sear sucker styled suit, explaining how he bought it for a wedding and thought, “well, why not get more use out of it.” But it serves as an identifiable signature look, setting him apart from the usual indie rock garb.
Combining their own vision with retro references, Ferguson keeps us in that space of interest where you can’t predict what the next song will sound like. Back in their hometown of Nashville, the band recently headlined a show at The End, one of the city’s premiere rock clubs. They just released their latest single, "Never in My Life.”
