Article Contributed by IVPR
Published on 2026-02-27
The Minnesota quartet’s new album is out now; Catch the band tonight in Sioux Falls, SD
For over two decades now, community has been the beating heart of Minnesota-based roots music quartet Pert Near Sandstone, highlighted by both their artistic vision and their dedication toward stewardship of their greater musical community, unifying individuals into a regional collective. And, as the title indicates, the band’s latest album, Side by Side, 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 beautiful, cohesive collection, raising Pert Near’s ever-signature style to all new heights.
Out now, Side by Side projects an emotional intelligence that resonates courtesy of the diverse writing and vocal styles throughout its tracklist; sometimes playful, at other times raw and unfettered, never trying to trick the listener, but instead to entice camaraderie. It’s clear these individual 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 recording of the band’s ninth studio album finds its members comfortable working with one of their founding members and frequent sound engineer in Young.
Side by Side’s artwork was painted by renowned Minneapolis painter Dan Mason. Dan’s original painting, Water and Stone XIII, was selected to represent the natural beauty that shelters within stark and hostile natural landscapes of the great North. This is the land that Pert Near Sandstone calls home, where they continue 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.
Fans can now stream or purchase Side by Side in its entirety at this link. In addition to releasing their new LP, the band is gearing up for the 15th annual Winter Stringband Gathering at St. Paul’s Turf Club. On March 27th, Pert Near Sandstone will be performing alongside The Fretliners and The May North, and on the 28th, Armchair Boogie and Triple Fiddle. A full list of tour dates can be found below or at pertnearsandstone.com/tour.
Watch the official live video for “Pipe Dream” below:
Pert Near Sandstone – “Pipe Dream” (Live at First Avenue 12.05.2025)
Side by Side Tracklist:
Pipe Dream
Side by Side
Shooting Star
Quiet Hours
Chuck Will’s Widow
Last Call Man
Racin’ to the Grave
Grace
Rise and Shine
Sonnyboy
Catch Pert Near Sandstone On Tour:
February 27 – Sioux Falls, SD – Icon Lounge + Events
February 28 – Grand Forks, ND – Empire Arts Center
March 1 – Minot, ND – The Blue Rider
March 4 – Spokane, WA – The District
March 5 – Seattle, WA – Conor Byrne Pub
March 6 – Bend, OR – Silver Moon Brewing
March 7 – Portland, OR – The Showdown
March 26 – Green Lake, WI – Thrasher Opera House w/ The Fretliners
March 27 – St. Paul, MN – Winter Stringband Gathering at the Turf Club
March 28 – St. Paul, MN – Winter Stringband Gathering at the Turf Club
April 9 – St. Louis, MO – Atomic
April 10 – Rock Island, IL – Rock Island Brewing Company
April 11 – Chicago, IL – Martyr’s
April 12 – Milwaukee, WI – Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co.
April 18 – Longmont, CO – Dank Grass Festival
April 30 – Omaha, NE – Slowdown
May 1 – Denver, CO – Bluebird Theater
May 2 – Ft. Collins, CO – Washington’s
May 29–30 – St James, MO – Folky Fish Festival
June 25 – Eau Claire, WI – Blue Ox Music Festival
