Pert Near Sandstone has bottled its own brand of bluegrass and turned over “Pipe Dream.” The track, which was previously released as a single ahead of the Friday, February 27, 2026, arrival of the Minnesota band’s ninth studio album, Side By Side, was performed live during a hometown show at the First Avenue venue on December 5, 2025. As a Relix exclusive, the ensemble has shared a new live video, capturing their seamless exchange of high-energy acoustic prowess over lyrical contemplation on hopes, dreams, and self-prescribed ambitions for the future. 

Drawing on their time on the road, “Pipe Dream” honors the five-piece’s lineage, reflecting their commitment to live performance and their dedication to building community as a source of support and comfort while chasing their dreams. Songwriter Justin Bruhn calls it “An ode to returning to the road after a hiatus,” and “The joy of it all.” Notably, Side By Side comes after a three-year lapse in releases, following the 2023 arrival of Waiting Days. 

Asserting a layer of intimate value, Bruhn says of the track, “Reuniting with folks, the amazing scenery of this country, South Dakota heat and a busted AC in the van, bringing people together for music, sharing a beer or a shot or whatever you choose. We are social animals. It feels so good to gather. The title ‘Pipe Dream’ refers to the astonishing fact that I am still doing this after all these years. When it all started out, I never thought it would continue this long. It seemed like a pipe dream.”

Pert Near Sandstone’s two-decade history cements their status as a modern all-American string band that denies the ascent of a singular creative and instead promotes the group values of a beastly five-person team comprising Bruhn, J Lenz, Nate Sipe, Kevin Kniebel, and Chris Frosberg. Today’s release illuminates the band’s tenacity in staying on the road, while also taking stock of the two-decade history that informs their interplay and continued success. 

The live performance video demonstrates the group’s comfort with layering voices, passing solos, and producing raw, unabashed catharsis associated with their pipe-dream aspirations. 

The band’s full-length, ninth studio entry was produced by fellow Minnesota mainstay and member of Trampled by Turtles, Ryan Young. 

In support of the record, the band returns to the road tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 27, performing at Icon Lounge in Sioux Falls, S.D., the first in a series of live performances. For more information and tickets, visit www.pertnearsandstone.com. 

Watch the exclusive Relix premiere of Pert Near Sandstone’s live take on “Pipe Dream.”