Dave Hause’s new album, “… And The Mermaid,” starts with a trumpet blare, a distorted guitar and drums. And with that, Dave Hause lets us know what this record is all about — a call to action for dark times. It’s a return to his punk rock roots and is full of songs that are a rallying cry to get us to look at what’s happening around us, to our neighbors, and fight for a world that is better than the one we find ourselves in.
If you’re not familiar with his music, the best way I can describe it is as folk punk. Or, to put it another way, think about if The Clash met Bruce Springsteen, they formed a band, and recorded together. Born in Philadelphia and now based in California, I interviewed Hause for my podcast, Sober Dad Crew, in 2022. He had just released the introspective and largely acoustic album, “Blood Harmony.” He followed this up with “Drive It Like It’s Stolen” in 2023. While this was a little more rocking, it was still largely an album of personal songs. At the time, he told me, “I want my records to be markers of where you’re at that year.” And with “… And the Mermaid,” he’s marking 2025 as the year to wake up, pay attention and take action.
While he is not a household name, Dave Hause is 20 years into his career, having gotten his start leading the punk band, The Loved One. In the last decade, his career has really been on a growth trajectory, which he credits, at least in part, to his decision to get sober. “Sobriety has just been sort of an integral part of any growth that I’ve seen. Substance abuse and sort of the self-medication that went along with that… had outworn its usefulness. The sobriety portion of it, I think, just without that, so many things just would have stayed sluggish, more complicated. It just had outworn its usefulness as part of my life. And it was getting in the way of potential happiness, potential for a new life out here with my wife and now our children. Just felt like I was running back down paths that would have led to similar results.”
For “… And The Mermaid,” the band recorded 20 songs in January 2025 in Vancouver with producer Jesse Gander, who shares Dave’s passion for punk rock and storytelling lyrics. The final album contains 10 songs that present the struggle of this moment of history in our country. “Enough Hope,” which is written from the perspective of a wealthy elected official or CEO, shows the reality of how capitalism works for the rich and screws the poor.
“We sold them a crumb and then we ate the whole pie
They fell in love with the mob so much they put us in charge
We step on their hands when they reach through the bars
Just give ’em enough hope and they’ll hang themselves.”
Or there’s the opening track, “A Knife In the Mud,” or “Cellmates,” that speak of lost dreams and the weight of the day-to-day struggle so many folks find themselves in.
Dave Hause did things a little differently in the recording studio this time around. Past albums had used studio musicians or even the occasional famous guest, such as E Street Band bassist Gary Tallent. “… And The Mermaid” is the first time Dave Hause has taken his road-tested backing band, The Mermaid, into the studio. This decision brings the chemistry of a band that can only be honed by touring. This, combined with the blood harmonies of Dave and his brother Tim, the band’s lead guitarist and backing vocalist, brings a heightened energy and passion to the performance and songs — whether they are quiet acoustic numbers or rockers. And this is simply electrifying — and deeply moving.
With a new album release comes a new tour. For those not aware, touring is a critical way musicians make a living now. The majority of working musicians don’t sell enough albums to live off the proceeds, and streaming only provides significant revenue to the very few huge artists out there. For a sober artist, touring brings its own challenges. Dave Hause, however, has figured out how to manage those. And part of it is that he runs his music career as a business. “This is a business. I run this like a deli, you know. Like I have to, this is my work… There are certain things that [other musicians] might be willing to do that I’m not because of these two kids.”
“… And The Mermaid” was released on September 26. You can find Dave Hauses’ touring dates or buy the album on his website. Or you can listen wherever you stream music.
Dave Hause …And The Mermaid YouTube Playlist
Dave Hause…And The Mermaind on Spotify
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