CheekyChicago

Chicago’s own singer/songwriter, Joe Pug, performed to a sold-out crowd at Schubas Friday night. The visionary folk singer performed songs from his latest EP, Nation of Heat, as well as debuted brand new songs, from a forthcoming full-length, which is slated for release later this year.

Pug took the stage solo (following Portland’s Iron and Wine – esque trio, Horse Feathers) to a rowdy crowd, clad in a plaid flannel and construction boots – the ideal image to accompany his blue-collar folk lyrics. Opening with a new song, “How Good You Are”, Pug displayed his distinct voice, candid lyrics and finger-picking aptitude to the crowd.

A few songs into his solo set, Pug invited his band to join him on stage. His band, which featured a back-up vocalist, pedal steel player/guitarist, bassist and drummer, backed him on tracks like “Speak Plainly Diana.” But it was Pug’s stripped solo songs that morphed the packed venue into a silent observatory, during such confessions disguised as lyrics like “I undressed someone’s daughter, then complained about her looks”, as heard in “Not So Sure,” and “I have done wrong, I will do wrong, there’s nothing wrong with doing wrong”, which can be heard emotionally intoned in “Hymn #35.” Familiar songs like “Call It What You Will”, “Not So Sure” and “Hymn #101” gained noticeable reaction from the crowd, while newbies like “Lonely Heart” evoked attentive curiosity from spectators. The singer, who has virtually gone from playing opening slots at venues like the Beat Kitchen to headlining sold-out venues overnight, displayed humble appreciation to his audience, yet was still unable to disguise his excitement while on stage. He beamed at his positive audience response, and even played up to the crowd by mockingly cupping his ear to initiate a louder applause – and all while beaming his fresh-faced smile and onstage charm.

Joe Pug has undoubtedly been steadily climbing the musical ladder over the past year, performing across the country, taking a grass-roots approach to his music by sending out his CDs to interested fans – for free, and even performing in fans’ living rooms. But with shows like these, along with the booking of such high-profile music festivals like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza, both set for this summer, Pug proves he has only just begun.