Side by Side

Over the past two decades, Pert Near Sandstone has established themselves as one of the most vital, yet often overlooked, bands in modern bluegrass.  Hailing from Minnesota, they are part of an Upper Midwest roots movement that includes bands like Trampled By Turtles, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, and Chicken Wire Empire. Together, these groups have established the region as an unexpected hotbed for high-energy, progressive string music.

With a sound that lends itself very much to the progressive, while still honoring the traditional, Pert Near Sandstone is much like Minnesota brethren Trampled By Turtles, with a sound that is both familiar and new.  Their latest album, Side by Side, continues that trend.  Produced by Trampled By Turtles’ Ryan Young, who was a founding member of Pert Near Sandstone, Side by Side is a burst of modern bluegrass that, while never forgetting its roots, is happy to explore the outer reaches of the roots music world, all while delivering it with subtle vibes reminiscent of English punk legends The Pogues.

Pert Near Sandstone’s strength has always been the abundance of songwriting talent in the band.  With four uniquely different songwriters and singers, Justin Bruhn (bass), Kevin Kniebel (banjo), J Lenz, and Nate Sipe (mandolin), Pert Near Sandstone can effortlessly flow between sounds and styles. This creative range gives Side by Side uncommon breadth.  Side by Side travels from the sweet warmth of “Side by Side” to the frenetic energy of “Shooting Star,” to the contemplative stillness of “Quiet Hours,” with a graceful ease.  On “Last Call Man,” the band echoes the classic storytelling twang of outlaw country legends like Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson, in a way that feels uniquely their own.

Pert Near Sandstone plays with a playful curiosity and a musical virtuosity that allows Side by Side to run the full musical gamut, creating a rich, emotional journey.  Side by Side finds the sweet spot between the traditional and the new, the known and the unknown, with a sound that easily stands shoulder to shoulder with progressive legends like John Hartford and the Dillards, while at the same time establishing themselves as innovative voices in their own right.