Waiting Days
Self-Released, 2023
9/10
This 8th album from the Minnesota luminaries Pert Near Sandstone further solidifies Justin Bruhn, Kevin Kniebel, J Lenz, Matt Cartier and Nate Sipe as one of the best string outfits today, and with new member Chris Forsberg on hand, we’re treated to even more richness in their bluegrass ways.
The swift and harmonic “I’ve Been Traveling” opens the listen with flowing group vocals and precise strings that soar with much warmth, and “All Waves Break” follows with mature beauty, as the sublime singing soars amid the meticulous plucking.
Deeper into the listen, “End Of The Line” uses Kniebel’s banjo and Sipe’s fiddle in highly melodic gestures, while “Clouds Are Gathering” lands further in folk territory via Bruhn’s strategic bass and the expressive vocals.
Close to the end, the album highlight, “On To Dawn”, will get your body moving to the mountainous rhythm and vivid storytelling, and “Lay Down Your Burdens” finishes with a stirring intimacy that’s bare, atmospheric and dreamy in a rural-esque sort of way.
Active since 2004, Pert Near Sandstone have made fans out of Trampled By Turtles and anyone with an ear for bluegrass sounds, and it’s no surprise really; they band really know how to navigate around harmonic and melodic string acrobatics that no one will tire of.
Travels well with: Randy Steele- High Cold Wind; Damn Tall Buildings- Sleeping Dogs