Quality Americana

Today we look at a wonderful Irish-traditional style single from Pert Near Sandstone.

Minnesota

“Side by Side” is the first preview from the upcoming album of the same title. It’s J Lenz, Justin Bruhn, Nate Sipe, and Kevin Kniebel’s ninth album as a group.

“Ryan has a wizard’s ear and command of the console to capture what we’re aiming to do in the studio,” Sipe said about Producer Ryan Young of Trampled By Turtles. “He has a great instinct for production and what to add to help complete our vision for each song, either by mixing or in musical accoutrement.”

The group was formed out of the Minnesota acoustic scene and have been featured on NPR’s A Prairie Home Companion. They typically perform around the Northwest.

Side by Side

Pert Near Sandstone included traditional accordion from Patrick Harrison, aka Patty Buttons. It really ads to the festive feel of the single, and fits right in with our favorite Louisiana Bayou hits we call Americana. The tenor banjo from Sipe almost sounds like a steel drum.

The chorus has a hopeful feel that keeps you singing along with the melody.

“It’s something I feel very strongly about right now in the divisive world we live in today,” Lenz says. “It’s an anthem about overcoming adversity and looking at the world in a new light as a new day dawns.”

Support the Artist

More information about Pert Near Sandstone can be found here.

Photo by David Tanner at Upper Meadows.