“into the great unknown” – Pierce Brothers

I’ve followed the career of Pierce Brothers since Jack and Patrick Pierce hit the scene in 2014. The brothers take a slow and steady approach to creating music; it took four years for them to release their debut album Atlas Shoulders, and they’ve only just released the follow-up, into the great unknown. That thoughtful, considered approach is an anomaly in an industry where it seems everyone is looking out for the next big thing. But as a music fan, I appreciate the time the duo takes. It ensures when those albums do drop, they’re special from start to finish.

You won’t find any filler tracks here. So many albums seem to exist simply as a way to bundle singles together, but that’s not the case here. The singles “dentist,” “brother,” and “kanko” sound fabulous of course, but there’s much more to dive into. Releasing several tracks prior to the album’s release ensures this music feels familiar from the first listen, but I didn’t find myself waiting for those songs. I was having too much fun discovering the rest of these tunes.

Pierce Brothers recorded this album in regional Victoria, between the state’s two lockdown periods. Travel was clearly on their mind; songs such as “white caps,” “la montagne,” and “lights of London take us on a journey. We might not visit Europe or the UK or marvel at snow-capped mountains in a foreign land any time soon, but through this music we can experience some of the romance and sense of adventure international travel provides. Most of the material is joyous, the kind of fun folky stuff that inspires you to clap along and stomp your feet. But the brothers show us a darker underbelly through tracks including the instrumental “reflecteur,” “trouble,” and the cutting “trouble.”

into the great unknown is a natural evolution for Pierce Brothers. It showcases a bigger sound, with female backing vocalists and string arrangements complementing their sublime sibling harmonies and acoustic guitar melodies. However, the duo hasn’t strayed too far from what drew me to their music back in 2014. This album is entirely self-funded and released 100% independently, ensuring the duo’s collective voice remains strong. into the great unknown took some time, but it proves the old adage that good things come to those who wait.

into the great unknown is out now. Catch Pierce Brothers at their upcoming shows:

20 March 2021 – The Old Coal Mine “The Shed,” Wonthaggi (SOLD OUT)
21 March 2021 – Halls Gap Hotel, Halls Gap
27 March 2021 – Chapel Off Chapel, Prahran
1-4 April 2021 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay
9 April 2021 – Volta Arts & Culture, Ballarat
10 April 2021 – Pier Bandroom, Frankston
17 April 2021 – Birregurra Mechanics Hall, Birregurra
22 April 2021 – Barwon Club, South Geelong
23 April 2021 – Hotel Esplanade, St Kilda
30 April 2021 – Corner Hotel, Richmond
2 May 2021 – Live @ Lamberts, Seabreeze Hotel, Mackay
7 May 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
21 May 2021 – Sandy Point Music Club, Sandy Point
22 May 2021 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo

Images used with permission from On the Map PR

Pierce Brothers Drop Gorgeous New Single “Brother” Ahead of Album Release and Victorian Tour

I was already excited about the release of Pierce Brothers’ sophomore album Into the Great Unknown next month, but the release of a new single “Brother” has my anticipation at a fever pitch. It’s a gorgeous slow burner that explores the themes of being away from family. You can bet it’s hitting extra hard with the current Victorian lockdown in force.

The video adds some lightness to this powerful track, as Pat Pierce explains.

“We wanted to juxtapose the earnestness of the song with a bit of a piss-take,“ he said, “We went in there with the intention of playing the whole thing straight, but then when Justin (our older brother) said he could drop in, we thought it would just be way funnier if we tried to do an honest-to-God straight performance, and he just walks through and messes it up for us. We couldn’t stop laughing at the thought of it so we figured, why not?”

Pierce Brothers’ new album Into the Great Unknown drops on March 5. To celebrate its release, they’ve announced a string of shows around Victoria. With limited COVID-safe capacities, gigs are already selling out so get onto those tickets ASAP. If you’re in another state, don’t despair. The lads are planning on getting to you soon.

“In 2021 we’re planning on an entire regional Australia run!” Pat explained, “but the problem is that if we announce tickets too far in advance, there’s risk of border closures between the announce and the date of the gig. We want to avoid all postponing/cancellations of shows so this year it’s announce and GO!”

20 March 2021 – The Old Coal Mine “The Shed,” Wonthaggi (SOLD OUT)
21 March 2021 – Halls Gap Hotel, Halls Gap
27 March 2021 – Chapel Off Chapel, Prahran
4 April 2021 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay
9 April 2021 – Volta Arts & Culture, Ballarat
10 April 2021 – Pier Bandroom, Frankston
22 April 2021 – Barwon Club, Geelong
23 April 2021 – The Espy, St Kilda
30 April 2021 – Corner Hotel, Richmond
7 May 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
21 May 2021 – Sandy Point Music Club, Sandy Point
22 May 2021 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Full Steam Ahead for Pierce Brothers With New Single, Album & Tour

So many of us approached 2021 with a sense of optimism. The year might be looking like the same old shit, but I’m not ready to surrender just yet. So I’m seeking out music that puts a smile on my face, even as the world goes to hell in a handbasket. The latest track to get my toes tapping is “It’s Alright” from Pierce Brothers.

If any band will convince you it’s all going to be OK, it’s these guys. The song’s inception reminds us of the kind of world we’ll get back to. Jack Pierce penned the chorus in 2018, while he was trekking through the mountains of Switzerland. It sat in a drawer until brother Pat took it out recently, laid down the verses, and gave it a new bluesy feel. It’s got that upbeat, energetic folk feel that sweeps you along for the ride. If you’re into Nathaniel Rateliff or Mumford and Sons, you’ll love this.

Pierce Brothers are forging ahead and doing all the things the pandemic has made so difficult. “It’s Alright” comes from the band’s sophomore album Into the Great Unknown, which will drop on March 5. They recently cancelled NSW shows, but not to be deterred they’re forging ahead with the following dates, including a few new gigs in regional Victoria. All shows have limited COVID-safe capacity, so grab those tickets before they sell out!

16 January 2021 – Moonah Arts Collective, Rye
22 & 23 January 2021 – Volta Arts & Culture, Ballarat
30 January 2021 – The Wedge, Sale
13 February 2021 – Marlo Pub, Marlo
20 March 2021 – The Sheds, Wonthaggi
2 April 2021 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from On the Map PR