Frontman Bear Rinehart’s vocals are one-of-a-kind and carried the evening with raw sincerity. Without heavy production to lean on, the emotional honesty of the lyrics felt palpable.
The storytelling between tracks added to intimacy of the performance. The acoustic format aligned beautifully with the reflections on extensive touring and their evolution as people weathering personal and professional challenges in the past year. Fans seemed to appreciate the unscripted moments as much as hearing their favorite tracks on the extensive setlist.
NEEDTOBREATHE just released “Highlands,” the fourth single from their upcoming album. The new track is described as a song about seeking stability amid life’s chaos. The full album was built during a rough time within the band and was recorded from a place they describe as very humble. The album started with a collaboration with Brandon Coleman and Red Clay Strays recording and releasing Mama Loves Me in 2025.
During the storytelling moments on the acoustic tour they shared stories about writing and recording the new album stating it as has been healing process. Rinehart mentioned songs seemed to flow from a sacred place and shared that “The album was built on surrendering versus striving.”
1. “The Long Surrender”
2. “Say It Now”
3. “Highlands”
4. “Sing To Me Savannah”
5. “Where You Call Home”
6. “Strangeness Of It All”
7. “Take Me Dancing”
8. “The Door”
9. “Growing Slow”
10. “Momma Loves Me”
11. “Take The Blame”
12. “Spread The Ashes”
NEEDTOBREATHE have earned five number 1 albums and surpassed 3 billion career streams while amassing a strong and loyal fan base.
Story and all photos by Deb Schaefer during February 21, 2026 performance at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
