Why Pert Near Sandstone's modern Midwest bluegrass is worth 'Waiting' on
You really can't sing a better segue than the members of Pert Near Sandstone deliver on "Who to Choose."
On the song, from their upcoming album "Waiting Days," lush and otherworldly harmonies surround the word "who," as if God's great bluegrass choir was posing a question. Then, in response to the heavenly call, the vocal lead resounds: "Every day, we choose / Which voice we will use."
These sorts of golden moments abound throughout "Waiting Days," a record that's resonant and richly layered. The band no doubt will offer up a few new tunes, and draw from a nearly 20-year discography, when they visit Columbia in a week.
The quintet — comprised of bassist Justin Bruhn, fiddle player Chris Forsberg, banjo player Kevin Kniebel, guitarist J Lenz and multi-instrumentalist Nate Sipe — live in line with other great modern bluegrass bands from the Midwest. The band shares a kindred spirit with fellow Minnesotans Trampled By Turtles (that band's fiddle player, Ryan Young, recorded and mixed "Waiting Days") and Michigan's Greensky Bluegrass.
The band's flexibility and real dynamic sensitivity has earned it slots alongside artists from Steve Martin to The Flaming Lips; and NPR's Mountain Stage praised the band's "Midwestern stamp on Appalachian" music.
"Waiting Days," which will soon be between listeners' ears, only extends those praiseworthy qualities. "I've Been Traveling" opens the record with a bright and frenzied sound, giving way to inevitable, cooing harmonies.
Showing off their mastery of the middle tempo, "All Waves Break" takes the center path, once again supplying wonderful harmonies while Forsberg saws for dear life. The band takes a starry southern route, engaging in some desert noir a la Calexico — while still furthering its Midwestern steadfastness — on "Clouds are Gathering."
And "On to Dawn" might be one of the simplest yet most satisfying odes to coffee laid down on the permanent record.
The band seems to forever seize the importance — and sound — of being earnest, while never fearing the somewhat strange. It's a winning combination, and one worth waiting to hear.
Pert Near Sandstone plays Rose Music Hall at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5 with Clayton Hicklin Band. Tickets are $15. Visit https://rosemusichall.com/ for more details.
Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@columbiatribune.com or by calling 573-815-1731. He's on Twitter @aarikdanielsen.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: With Columbia date, bluegrass band Pert Near Sandstone ends 'Waiting'
