CD Review: New Music From Indie-Artists McDougall, Foreign Talks & Massy Ferguson

Singer/songwriter McDougall recently released his eighth studio album "Reaching For Some Light." He plays most of the instruments himself on this new release and does not allow himself to be backed into a corner, creating some of the best music of his career. Beginning with "Roads," McGougall comes thumping out of the gate with this raw folk-blues number. The mood seems lighter on the up-beat swing of "Stranger On The Prairie"  and "Ten Speed" as his lyrics paint the perfect picture. McDougall breaks out the banjo for the instrumental "Cut Loose," then tells the tale of "Pitcher On The Train" with this storied words. The new eleven-song release closes with the rocking acoustic guitar instrumental "Barely Holding On" and the country/Americana vibe of "Moving Mountains." To find out more about McDougall and his latest release "Reaching For Some Light," please visit mcdougallmusic.com.

From the upper Northwest corner of the U.S. comes the sophomore album from the reggae/rock band Foreign Talks. Their new release titled "No Ceilings" expands upon the band's hook-driven debut album. The new thirteen-song release begins with the island vibe of "Cerveza" as the band's pop sound is undeniable. They add their reggae/hip-hop brand to the laid back feel of "Typhoon" and invite Myke Bogan to lay down a rap over the smooth beats of "Chocolate Vanilla." Foreign Talks follow the lead of 311 in the hip-hop/reggae/rock appeal of "Rip It Up Slow" before the light-hearted, fun approach of "Disco." They leave the reggae vibe behind on the alternative rock of "Purple" and "NuNu," before closing with big reggae bass groove of "Black Magic." To find out more about Foreign Talks and their latest release "No Ceilings," please visit foreigntalks.com.

Seattle-based rock band Massy Ferguson recently released their fourth full-length album titled "Run It Right Into The Wall." Their sound was inspired by 80's college rock radio and it certainly shows in the opening song "Gallipoli." The raw energy of their garage rock sound is refreshing among today's over-polished rock acts. The straight-up simplicity of "Santa Fe" and the throwback nostalgic feel of "Firewater" has Massy Ferguson revisiting a forgotten time in rock history. The slinky guitar of "Dogbone" gives their music a southwestern sound and "Front Page" reminds us of Bruce Springsteen's early days. The album closes with the manufactured eighties rock of "Into The Wall" and the post-punk energy of "Set The Sun." To find out more about Massy Ferguson and their latest release "Run It Right Into The Wall," please visit massyfergusonband.com.