Strand of Oaks is currently touring behind their excellent new album, Eraserland. My buddy Max Somerville from local band Wreck Loose was tapped to play keys on the tour and when a Pittsburgh date was announced, the date was a rare weeknight pin in my schedule. Unfortunately, the show sold out and to my surprise, longtime faves Apex Manor was a late announcement as opener. The minute I discovered this, I contacted Apex Manor songwriter Ross Flournoy (who plays in Strand of Oaks band along with Max) and he quickly put me on the guest list. Catching up with Ross, seeing his hometown crowd cheer Max on, and enjoying two great bands has me thinking twice about avoiding the Southside on a weeknight in the future.

Huge thanks to Ross, who’s new album Heartbreak City comes out on Merge Records May 31 but was on sale last night and I have to say, it is so damn good!

Sweet video via Zoob.