Pert Near Sandstone

For over two decades now, community has been the heart of Minnesota-based Pert Near Sandstone, highlighted by their dedication toward stewardship of their musical community, unifying individuals into a regional collective. As the title indicates, their latest album is a clear testament to the spirit of forming kinship rather than competition, forged by combining the group’s four individual singer-songwriters into one cohesive collection, raising Pert Near’s ever-signature style to all new heights. Side by Side projects an emotional intelligence that resonates courtesy of the diverse writing and vocal styles throughout; sometimes playful, at other times raw and unfettered, never trying to trick the listener, but instead to entice camaraderie. It’s clear these songwriters—J Lenz, Justin Bruhn, Nate Sipe, and Kevin Kniebel—are at ease making music together. Independently recorded and co-produced by Ryan Young of Trampled By Turtles, the band’s ninth studio album finds its members comfortable working with one of their founding members and frequent sound engineer in Young. The cover artwork, painted by Dan Mason, was selected to represent the natural beauty that shelters within stark and hostile natural landscapes of the great North. This is the land where Pert Near Sandstone continues to draw inspiration, craft new songs, and foster their community, laying out a path for both their own careers and those of friends and contemporaries to progress daily, hand in hand.