Okotoks, Alberta-based country-rock and blues band The Prairie Dogz announce the release of their new single, “Almost See the Sun,” this month. The song is a hard-driving, heartfelt exploration of how to cope with the feelings of isolation and lack of connection that have no-doubt 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,” vocalist 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.
“Break down these walls that kept us alone/ Through the grace of God, I’m coming home,” Kohen sings.
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, Theme song from “Friends,” “Hakuna Matata”).
“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 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 as members of a successful classic-rock cover band and decided after years of touring together that it was time to strike out on their own. They owe their sound in part to the blend of Kohen’s blues-influenced vocals and Hambrook’s rock guitar stylings, while their country credibility comes straight from lives spent on those wild Alberta prairies.
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.”
With “Almost See the Sun,” they invite listeners to stand with them as they battle the darkness and look toward the light.
