Singles Spotlight:
Pert Near Sandstone – “Pipe Dream”

Hello reader,

How are you today? Ready for the first singles spotlight of 2026?

SWT is excited to discuss another band that continues to create and curate great music: Pert Near Sandstone. The Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota-based string band consisting of J Lenz (Acoustic Guitar), Justin Bruhn (Upright Bass), Nate Sipe (Mandolin, Fiddle) and Kevin Kniebel (Clawhammer Banjo) has exquisitely blended their own songs of bluegrass, roots, and folk music with a punk spirit in the best ways, as they’ve put a Midwest twist on Appalachian sounds for over two decades. By openly discussing their influences and displaying appreciation for the musicianship of present and past musicians on their sleeves, the band, often stylized as Pert Near, has made many fans along the way, both Josh and I at SWT included. What started as the reverence Josh and I had for Pert Near Sandstone as fans, seeing their incredible and infectious live performances at the gorgeous backdrop of their Blue Ox festival several times and elsewhere, and more recently as members of the media, having gotten to know them a little more. You see their joy, their energy, and it’s easy to become a fan. There’s plenty of coverage about the band on SWT, including their spectacular cover of The Replacements’ beautiful song “Can’t Hardly Wait” that they paired with an introspective and nostalgic essay that not only shows reverence for the ‘Mats but also is reflective about the journey a touring musician takes. The cover is arguably my favorite of the song that I’ve heard. If you’re unfamiliar with the Minnesota music scene, there are many talented musicians in the area, so please take the time to explore it by starting with bands like Trampled By Turtles and solo artists like Charlie Parr. You’ll hear some of the best music from the Minnesota scene in the past 20 years. If you listen and disagree, my email is at the end of this spotlight.

The guys in Pert Near Sandstone have helped craft and co-host a burgeoning festival in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, that has brought a who’s who of musicians in the bluegrass, Americana, and adjacent genres. Bringing crowds together in the early Summer (late June) for the past 10 years to soak up friendly vibes and watch the greatness of Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Yonder Mountain String Band, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Bela Fleck, Billy Strings, Tyler Childers, Jerry Douglas, Margo Price, Charlie Crockett, The Infamous Stringdusters, Jason Isbell, Greensky Bluegrass, and Drive By Truckers on the main stage amidst a background of northern WI trees as well as dozens and dozens of regional up and coming artists performing over the past decade of the festivals existence.

While Pert Near is at their best live, they’ve put together a fantastic discography consisting of Live: Just Outside of Sandstone (2005), Up and Down the River (2007), Needle & Thread (2008), Out On A Spree (2009), Paradise Hop (2011), The Hardest Part of Leaving (2014), Discovery of Honey (2016), Live at Blue Ox (2018), Rising Tide (2020), and Waiting Days (2023). There’s no bad place to start delving in, but I would suggest starting with a live album, such as the stellar Live at Blue Ox, before you explore one of their studio albums. 

And their newest album Side by Side is due out February 27th. Having been fortunate enough to hear the entire album in recent weeks, in addition to the titular anthemic song, one of the singles that stands out is the opening track, “Pipe Dream”.  I am excited to talk about it today and share it with you, listeners. I think you’ll dig it too. So here we are at another Singles Spotlight! Why this song? “Pipe Dream”‘s lively, good-natured energy is not only a fitting way to showcase the band, as each member gets moments to shine, whether through their vocals or their musicianship and songwriting. Its catchy string-focused melody sticks with you as the song meanders through the chords of all the instruments. The result is a warm introduction to the album and for first-time listeners, the band. Kudos all around, guys.

The official audio for the song, “Pipe Dream” from the Pert Near Sandstone’s YouTube channel:

(All credits and rights to Pert Near Sandstone)

The cover art for the Side by Side album:

More insight about the painting that adorns the album cover from the album’s press release, “The album 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. Where lakes reflect by shattering into a million skies; where majestic white pines contain secrets and testimony, tales omitted from books that can spark into wildfire.”

The track list for Side by Side:

1. Pipe Dream (3:49)
2. Side by Side (3:25)
3. Shooting Star (3:44)
4. Quiet Hours (5:03)
5. Chuck Will’s Widow (3:36)
6. Last Call Man (4:06)
7. Racin’ to the Grave (3:21)
8. Grace (4:28)
9. Rise and Shine (3:16)
10. Sonnyboy (2:56)

You can connect with and listen to Pert Near Sandstone at the following links:

Alex M Theel

Co-Founder, Reviewer, Content Creator, Business side, Editor at Scummy Water Tower Productions | Web

Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site: scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions!
Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com