Review DAVE HAUSE “… and the Mermaid”

Dave Hause, a singer and guitarist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is launching a new album called “…and the Mermaid.” I haven’t had House on my musical radar, although the latest effort is already his seventh solo album.

Hause has a rich musical history, with roots in rock, punk, and metal. He later moved towards singer/songwriter songs, with Americana playing a bigger role in his music. All these influences are present on “…and the Mermaid,” making it a stunning rock album.

“Bible Passages”, a cover of Tim McIlrath (Rise Against), showcases these singer-songwriter spirit. It’s a snappy acoustic interpretation with a great melody that makes you want to sing along immediately. Punk shines through in “Enough Hope,” musically and beyond. The song is about leaders making fun of the working class. The title fits perfectly in today’s world, where leaders pretend to do something for the people while filling their own pockets. This song embodies the essence of rock and punk as ii is a rebellious mindset that drives “Enough Hope.”

“A Knife in the Mud” opens with a surprising trumpet sound. The song’s arrangement reminds me of Bruce Springsteen’s music, which displays the dirt under working people’s fingernails. It’s music from the streets, for the streets.

“Cellmates” is another rocking tune that leads to the rock anthem “Look Alive.” What’s great about each song is the authenticity and spirit that connects them.

As the title suggests, “Mockingbird Blues” has a blues vibe without being fueled by melancholy. “Revisionist History” is an intense song. It’s an energetic blast on the album, with a great sense of melody in the chorus. The contrast between the raging verse and swinging chorus showcases Hause’s entire musical vision.

The calm, reflective moment on “. . . and the Mermaid” is called “Yer Outta My Hair.” It is an emotional highlight of the album, while the pounding beat of “Rumspringa” makes it a song you can’t help but jump around to. The melancholic “May Every Last Fever Break” ends the album on a soft and touching note.

“…and the Mermaid” is a captivating and versatile rock album. Its wide range of influences and great sense of songwriting make these ten songs honest and authentic, with lyrics that are more than just words. Sometimes wild and sometimes soul-warming — that’s “…and the Mermaid.”