The Prairie Dogz can Almost See The Sun but still can’t see your smile in their new single and live video — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The Okotoks, Alberta country-rock and blues outfit’s latest release is a hard-driving, heartfelt exploration of the isolation and lack of connection that have plagued many over the past few years. The song’s narrator “finds himself in a dystopian world, in a society suffering from years of oppression,” guitarist and co-writer Keith Hambrook says. “He sees the loss of hope on peoples’ faces but finds solace and peace by seeing the woman he loves. He gains a brighter perspective because of his connection with her.” It’s that holding out for hope of a happier future that keeps him going in bleak times, with the hard-rock riffs and rhythms bolstering the emotional lyrics:
“The time of peace is at hand.
Thankful for the strength and courage for the final stand
Break down these walls that kept us alone
Through the grace of God, I’m coming home.”
The track was produced in collaboration with Calgary’s Jeff Muller and the Oregon-based Ron Nevison (Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, Heart). It was Nevison’s idea to recruit the participation of renowned drummer Denny Fongheiser (Heart, Tracy Chapman, Counting Crows). “It was humbling to work with people responsible for so much iconic music,” Hambrook says.
The current five-piece lineup of The Prairie Dogz includes Dwight Kohen on lead vocals; Hambrook on guitar, vocals and keyboard; Terry Studd on guitar and vocals; Dave Fast on bass; and Martin Wright on drums. Hambrook, Kohen and Studd first met in a classic-rock cover band and decided after years of touring that it was time to strike out on their own. Their sound blends Kohen’s bluesy vocals and Hambrook’s rock guitar stylings, with country credibility that comes straight lives spent on the Alberta prairie.
From party anthems to moving ballads, The Prairie Dogz aim to not only entertain but also challenge themselves — and each other — to express themselves the best they can. “We are constantly pushing each other to share our deepest thoughts, fears, joys and sorrows in our lyrics,” according to the band. “We talk about it all the time and dare each other to take more risks.”
Watch the video for Almost See The Sun above, hear more from Prairie Dogz below, and find them on their website and Facebook.
