Dave Hause, a veteran of the Philadelphia punk scene, first made his mark fronting The Loved Ones before launching his solo career in 2011.
Over the years, his work has spanned everything from hardcore to acoustic folk and Americana. His latest release, …and the Mermaid, is a straight-ahead rock record that draws on the spirit of Springsteen and Petty while maintaining Hause’s unmistakable voice and perspective.
The album opens with “A Knife in the Mud,” beginning with a lone horn before a rush of distorted, fast-strummed guitar kicks in. The horns return in full as Hause delivers a defiant verse and chorus that feels destined to become a live favourite:
We’re waiting on vultures, with bags of blood
There’s no knight coming in on horseback; it’s a fight for a knife in the mud…
From there, the record continues with anthemic power. “Cellmates” celebrates the bonds of long-time friendship, while “Revisionist History” takes aim at America’s divided political landscape. “Yer Outta My Hair” charts the end of a toxic relationship, and Hause tips his hat to Tim McIlrath (Rise Against) with a heartfelt cover of “Bible Passages.” True to form, he closes with family at the forefront: “May Every Last Fever Break,” a tender track dedicated to his twin sons.
Hause has always excelled at blue-collar storytelling, writing songs that beg to be shouted back in unison. Even in his darkest moments, there’s always a thread of hope and belonging woven through the music. …and the Mermaid is no exception—an album that reminds us that resilience, community, and defiance still matter.
Be the first to comment