“The Lost Pines took root in Austin in 2007 and moved from street corner busking to local and festival stages. Their recent Lloyd Maines produced ‘Sweet Honey’ is the band’s second album effort, following the success of their 2008 debut, ‘Middle of the Morning’. “Singing Voice” takes off as album opener like it heard the starting gun and the only goal is the finish line. Stepping and dancing is the default setting for The Lost Pines catalog. The band moves with a rhythm carved into place from first note to last buzz. The groove stays in place like it was set in stone. The solid bottom lets notes and voices flash, with co-lead vocalist Talia Bryce and Christian Ward locking into step and playing tag as needed throughout ‘Sweet Honey’. Like the album title suggests, the songs included in ‘Sweet Honey’ go down easy. ”
Danny McCloskey - Alternate Root Magazine
“Somewhere past old school bluegrass and not quite to newgrass, The Lost Pines second offering revisits sounds of the past firmly in the present without crossing the line to contemporary. I was reminded of the reaction I often get listening to a Tim O'Brien album....is that an original or is it a cover of an old tune I somehow missed? I can save you the trouble of checking on the songs on this album - all of them are original. Sweet Honey was produced by Lloyd Maines. Many reading this review will know Mr. Maines as a producer and legendary steel guitar player. He has produced and played with just about everyone in Texas (and elsewhere). The Lost Pines were so happy to get him to produce their album and play on it. One of the best tracks on the CD is Maybelee. I was also taken with Singing Voice. Christian Ward wrote the song and sings it for us, using his singing voice to announce that The Lost Pines will be figuring into the musical future, and not”
Mando Lines - No Depression
“The Lost Pines are really coming up in the world. This album displays their tried-and-true musicianship and bluegrass credentials, but they’re starting to sound like veterans who know where all the sweet spots are. With its headstrong implications, closer “I’m Leavin’” feels like the perfect sentiment for right now. The Lost Pines will never be jaded, bored professionals; their music is too fun for that. But they know that they’re among the best in the biz at doing what they do right now. They just want to be the top dog. Final Grade: ****1/2 (out of five)”
Austin Music+Entertainment
“A relatively young band they’ve gone from busking to recording in just two years with this second album being produced by the legendary Lloyd Maines. Acoustically driven they have their roots in bluegrass and folk with all 14 songs here written by themselves. While some of the songs do have a rustic feel the overall sense is that of the country pickers who over the years have bothered the popular charts, acts like Hank Williams and Bob Wills. All of the songs have memorable toe tapping melodies while the instrumentalists variously decorate or blaze away with the stand out showcase being Out of the Rain. Over the very assured and at times thrilling playing the vocals by Talia Bryce and Christian Ward drive home the sheer quality on show here. Hot picking, hot singing and hot songs. Sweet. ”
Paul Kerr - Blabber & Smoke
“Cheerful and light, the songs on this album carry with them the essence of country life and create the perfect atmosphere for boots and hats or just a naive and innocent listen from your London flat or Bangkokian retreat. With jazzy feel good moments such as Cherry Pie or beautiful ballads with well written lyrics like Maybalee, Sweet Honey will put a smile on your roots music loving face. The Lost Pines only formed in 2007 and are already starting to make some noise on the Texas and US music scene. The name is slowly crossing the Atlantic too and there is no doubt that Bluegrass fans await the bands first European tour. We can predict that The Lost Pines will soon be a solid value of the Bluegrass and Country scene. With this second album, produced by Grammy Award winning Lloyd Maines (Dixie Chicks) and their great live reputation, The Lost Pines are already an important band. The question is, how big will they grow? ”
The Good Music Fox (UK)
“This band has that rare combination of great singing, great musicianship, and great songwriting. Ward opens with "Singing Voice." Bryce leads with "Maybalee." Their songs cover a wide range of styles and emotions. "Harvest Moon" has a Cajun rhythm. All the songs are well crafted, but if I have to pick favorites, I'd choose "Maybalee," "No Home," "Only A Flower," and "Harm's Lovin' Way," which features soulful claw hammer banjo by Jerry Hagins. Maines plays resonator guitar on two of these, but he takes no flashy breaks, rather his resonator guitar helps stitch the tunes together. I would recommend this CD to anyone interested in new directions in bluegrass songwriting, which is the focus of the recording. But the arrangement and the execution showcase these new songs in the best possible light, and that is worth hearing too.”
SAG - Bluegrass Unlimited
“[translation] It’s been a while since I heard a bluegrass-CD as beautifully balanced as this one, ‘The Lost Pines’ have grown impressively towards a mature sound. The songs are great, the vocals are wonderful and the ensemble playing is impressive. We enjoy bluegrass at high speed (the highlight is ‘Out of the rain’ - with a magnificent bridge - , but the title track too is mighty nice), with cajun-influences (the beautiful ‘Harvest moon’), in ‘old-timey’ fashion (‘Big ol’ pockets’ and ‘Harm’s lovin’ way’), dipped in folk (‘Only a flower’ has the best harmony singing of the CD) and ‘straight’ bluegrass. In short, this is bluegrass at its best. You can count Austin in the bluegrass field thanks to “The Lost Pines’. I really enjoyed the CD a lot and have been listening to it many times, over and over again. To get hooked on bluegrass you should listen to ‘Sweet Honey’ by The Lost Pines. My heartfelt compliments.”
Fred Schmale - Real Roots Cafe
“We are gifted with a strong start to the album in the form of three compelling tunes in a row. “Singing Voice” is a quick romp about the proclamation of love, treated with an active banjo line which calls the other strings to join in for some quickly plucked fun. Next follows “Maybalee,” which is softer and slower but still manages to be upbeat. The tune seems like a note to the title character from the man she loves, a hard working man with a rambling nature. Mundane details of the morning are highlighted by sweet vocal harmonies and the notion that the pair will soon have to say goodbye for some time. “Cherry Pie” nicely continues the love-note nature of the album so far. A short tune about the “best darn woman that you’ll ever find,” it solicits some serious toe-tapping. The album is packed with strong tunes, but it would be a crime not to mention the title track “Sweet Honey.””
Marie Meyers - Jupiter Index
“With its breakneck tempos and acoustic transparency, bluegrass leaves a middling musician nowhere to hide. Listen for 30 seconds to The Lost Pines’ second release, and it’s clear this six-member group is up to its challenges. Fills and solos hum with precision, vocal harmonies are snug and guitarist Marc Lionetti’s turns add an element of surprise. But as technically accomplished as these Austin musicians are, it’s the original songs of Talia Bryce and Christian Ward that set the group apart.... Produced by Lloyd Maines, this is music-making of a very high order. ”
Madison Searle - Texas Music Magazine
“The Lost Pines acquired the services of the great Lloyd Maines to produce this, their second album; the result is a fourteen song collection that is fast and precise as bluegrass should be, yet simultaneously warm and laid-back. There seem to be so many ways to try and take bluegrass forward and, for me, these guys take the best and truest approach....Right across the band there is an un-showy excellence in everything they do, exemplified by Talia Bryce's singing; without ever seeming stretched she sings with precision (every word is clear), and also with character....I'm struggling to pin down exactly why this album resonates so happily with me, but I reckon I appreciate the line they tread, inviting you into a world that is comfortable and familiar without seducing you with fake charms. As for Lloyd Maines, a long time musical hero of mine, it's an admirably unfussy production job he's done, and great to hear a little dobro-playing from him along the way.”
John (Biscuits and Gravy) Davy - Flyingshoes Review
“The tunes on this project are strong bluegrass tunes with outstanding instrumentation and playing that shows how much these players hold this style of music in their collective hearts. The Lost Pines have recorded a wonderful project of fourteen original tunes penned by its members. The fourteen tunes are original, fresh and full of energy, and they are geared to keep the listener interested and awaiting the next surprise. All of the tunes are well written, bringing toe tapping and head bobbing as I listened to them. "Out of the Rain," again shows not only the reverence in which these players hold this art form, but is simply fun stuff. "Only A Flower" stands out as a wonderful lament to stark writing, well-placed instrumentation, carefully planned harmonies, and a powerful belief in a chosen path. For producer Lloyd Maines and the Pines, nothing happens by happenstance. The Lost Pines are a young group full of direction, clarity, and care for their collective art form.”
Christopher Anderson - Victory Music
“This is pure bluegrass: no fusion of indie folk, no lo-fi regression to old-timey, just a showcase of instrumental picking and fine harmonies.You can drop the figurative needle down on just about any track on the disc and get the kind of flawless solos and interaction that require, no, compel you to start tapping your foot.The fiddle and mandolin interaction of Shawn Dean, Jon Kemppainen, and Alex Rueb, on several songs is a real joy.And the bass of Brian Durkin is a steady, ever-present foundation that by midway through the album has emerged as a key ingredient. All of that fine instrumental work staying at the right level no doubt owes a debt of gratitude to veteran producer Lloyd Maines. The Lost Pines wrote all their own songs on Sweet Honey. Add everything up and this is a band with a bright future. But more importantly, put all my blather and analysis aside and go to the heart of the matter. Hit play on almost any song on the album and I just dare you to sit still.”
Shawn Underwood - Twangville
“The Pines' mix of high lonesome and Texas country influences comes across as authentic and precise. With Lloyd Maines in the producer's seat, Sweet Honey drips not one note out of place... Lost Pines play bluegrass with a certain ebullience that reflects their youth....Sweet Honey's only their second disc, but the Lost Pines already sound like veterans.”
Jim Caligiuri - Austin Chronicle
“The bluegrassband from everyones favourite music city, Austin, under supervision from Lloyd Maines (Producer for the Dixie Chicks, and father of Dixie Chick Natalie Maines) have created a swinging good album - complete with great melodies and fresh lyrics - typically close to traditional bluegrass. Bluegrass can have a tendency to become very monotonous, and to hear an entire album can often be excruciatingly boring. There are a few bands that manage to do enough to keep the listener interested throughout the album. The Lost Pines is such a band! Much of the secret lies in the fact that the instruments are not as overwhelming they can be on some bluegrass releases, as well as breaking up all and any signs of monotony by alternating between a male and a female vocalist.”
Rune Letrud - Musikkbloggen Hør nå... hør nå!
“I enjoy Bluegrass music. I've studied it for many years and feel fairly qualified to recognize what's good.....Lost Pines music is the good stuff....This band approaches Bluegrass in a slightly different way....I can't describe what's different about Lost Pines, I just know they are a good listen and have developed their own sound. I like it.”
Lloyd Maines - Music Producer/musician
“Vocals, material and instrumental skill.The Lost Pines have them all.Their vocals have always been spot on and they've only gotten better.Their material has been original and creative since the beginning, not an afterthought, and there is no shortage of well-executed instrumental breaks.”
Tom Pittman - Austin Lounge Lizards
“It almost seems unfathomable to think that young people would give a sweet damn about traditional bluegrass. But, The Lost Pines have proven those living inside the box completely wrong. Middle Of The Morning is straight down to earth, Texas good timin’ tunes.”
Ron Trembath - FensePost
“Austin bluegrass done right.”
Doug Freeman - The Austin Chronicle
“The latest wrinkle in the Austin area Hill Country bluegrass scene nail their debut with the spirit of the high, lonesome sound, with sweetly pine-scented songs and a loose-limbed musicality that adds up to genuine charm.”
Rob Patterson - Texas Music Magazine
Danny McCloskey - Alternate Root Magazine
“Somewhere past old school bluegrass and not quite to newgrass, The Lost Pines second offering revisits sounds of the past firmly in the present without crossing the line to contemporary. I was reminded of the reaction I often get listening to a Tim O'Brien album....is that an original or is it a cover of an old tune I somehow missed? I can save you the trouble of checking on the songs on this album - all of them are original. Sweet Honey was produced by Lloyd Maines. Many reading this review will know Mr. Maines as a producer and legendary steel guitar player. He has produced and played with just about everyone in Texas (and elsewhere). The Lost Pines were so happy to get him to produce their album and play on it. One of the best tracks on the CD is Maybelee. I was also taken with Singing Voice. Christian Ward wrote the song and sings it for us, using his singing voice to announce that The Lost Pines will be figuring into the musical future, and not”
Mando Lines - No Depression
“The Lost Pines are really coming up in the world. This album displays their tried-and-true musicianship and bluegrass credentials, but they’re starting to sound like veterans who know where all the sweet spots are. With its headstrong implications, closer “I’m Leavin’” feels like the perfect sentiment for right now. The Lost Pines will never be jaded, bored professionals; their music is too fun for that. But they know that they’re among the best in the biz at doing what they do right now. They just want to be the top dog. Final Grade: ****1/2 (out of five)”
Austin Music+Entertainment
“A relatively young band they’ve gone from busking to recording in just two years with this second album being produced by the legendary Lloyd Maines. Acoustically driven they have their roots in bluegrass and folk with all 14 songs here written by themselves. While some of the songs do have a rustic feel the overall sense is that of the country pickers who over the years have bothered the popular charts, acts like Hank Williams and Bob Wills. All of the songs have memorable toe tapping melodies while the instrumentalists variously decorate or blaze away with the stand out showcase being Out of the Rain. Over the very assured and at times thrilling playing the vocals by Talia Bryce and Christian Ward drive home the sheer quality on show here. Hot picking, hot singing and hot songs. Sweet. ”
Paul Kerr - Blabber & Smoke
“Cheerful and light, the songs on this album carry with them the essence of country life and create the perfect atmosphere for boots and hats or just a naive and innocent listen from your London flat or Bangkokian retreat. With jazzy feel good moments such as Cherry Pie or beautiful ballads with well written lyrics like Maybalee, Sweet Honey will put a smile on your roots music loving face. The Lost Pines only formed in 2007 and are already starting to make some noise on the Texas and US music scene. The name is slowly crossing the Atlantic too and there is no doubt that Bluegrass fans await the bands first European tour. We can predict that The Lost Pines will soon be a solid value of the Bluegrass and Country scene. With this second album, produced by Grammy Award winning Lloyd Maines (Dixie Chicks) and their great live reputation, The Lost Pines are already an important band. The question is, how big will they grow? ”
The Good Music Fox (UK)
“This band has that rare combination of great singing, great musicianship, and great songwriting. Ward opens with "Singing Voice." Bryce leads with "Maybalee." Their songs cover a wide range of styles and emotions. "Harvest Moon" has a Cajun rhythm. All the songs are well crafted, but if I have to pick favorites, I'd choose "Maybalee," "No Home," "Only A Flower," and "Harm's Lovin' Way," which features soulful claw hammer banjo by Jerry Hagins. Maines plays resonator guitar on two of these, but he takes no flashy breaks, rather his resonator guitar helps stitch the tunes together. I would recommend this CD to anyone interested in new directions in bluegrass songwriting, which is the focus of the recording. But the arrangement and the execution showcase these new songs in the best possible light, and that is worth hearing too.”
SAG - Bluegrass Unlimited
“[translation] It’s been a while since I heard a bluegrass-CD as beautifully balanced as this one, ‘The Lost Pines’ have grown impressively towards a mature sound. The songs are great, the vocals are wonderful and the ensemble playing is impressive. We enjoy bluegrass at high speed (the highlight is ‘Out of the rain’ - with a magnificent bridge - , but the title track too is mighty nice), with cajun-influences (the beautiful ‘Harvest moon’), in ‘old-timey’ fashion (‘Big ol’ pockets’ and ‘Harm’s lovin’ way’), dipped in folk (‘Only a flower’ has the best harmony singing of the CD) and ‘straight’ bluegrass. In short, this is bluegrass at its best. You can count Austin in the bluegrass field thanks to “The Lost Pines’. I really enjoyed the CD a lot and have been listening to it many times, over and over again. To get hooked on bluegrass you should listen to ‘Sweet Honey’ by The Lost Pines. My heartfelt compliments.”
Fred Schmale - Real Roots Cafe
“We are gifted with a strong start to the album in the form of three compelling tunes in a row. “Singing Voice” is a quick romp about the proclamation of love, treated with an active banjo line which calls the other strings to join in for some quickly plucked fun. Next follows “Maybalee,” which is softer and slower but still manages to be upbeat. The tune seems like a note to the title character from the man she loves, a hard working man with a rambling nature. Mundane details of the morning are highlighted by sweet vocal harmonies and the notion that the pair will soon have to say goodbye for some time. “Cherry Pie” nicely continues the love-note nature of the album so far. A short tune about the “best darn woman that you’ll ever find,” it solicits some serious toe-tapping. The album is packed with strong tunes, but it would be a crime not to mention the title track “Sweet Honey.””
Marie Meyers - Jupiter Index
“With its breakneck tempos and acoustic transparency, bluegrass leaves a middling musician nowhere to hide. Listen for 30 seconds to The Lost Pines’ second release, and it’s clear this six-member group is up to its challenges. Fills and solos hum with precision, vocal harmonies are snug and guitarist Marc Lionetti’s turns add an element of surprise. But as technically accomplished as these Austin musicians are, it’s the original songs of Talia Bryce and Christian Ward that set the group apart.... Produced by Lloyd Maines, this is music-making of a very high order. ”
Madison Searle - Texas Music Magazine
“The Lost Pines acquired the services of the great Lloyd Maines to produce this, their second album; the result is a fourteen song collection that is fast and precise as bluegrass should be, yet simultaneously warm and laid-back. There seem to be so many ways to try and take bluegrass forward and, for me, these guys take the best and truest approach....Right across the band there is an un-showy excellence in everything they do, exemplified by Talia Bryce's singing; without ever seeming stretched she sings with precision (every word is clear), and also with character....I'm struggling to pin down exactly why this album resonates so happily with me, but I reckon I appreciate the line they tread, inviting you into a world that is comfortable and familiar without seducing you with fake charms. As for Lloyd Maines, a long time musical hero of mine, it's an admirably unfussy production job he's done, and great to hear a little dobro-playing from him along the way.”
John (Biscuits and Gravy) Davy - Flyingshoes Review
“The tunes on this project are strong bluegrass tunes with outstanding instrumentation and playing that shows how much these players hold this style of music in their collective hearts. The Lost Pines have recorded a wonderful project of fourteen original tunes penned by its members. The fourteen tunes are original, fresh and full of energy, and they are geared to keep the listener interested and awaiting the next surprise. All of the tunes are well written, bringing toe tapping and head bobbing as I listened to them. "Out of the Rain," again shows not only the reverence in which these players hold this art form, but is simply fun stuff. "Only A Flower" stands out as a wonderful lament to stark writing, well-placed instrumentation, carefully planned harmonies, and a powerful belief in a chosen path. For producer Lloyd Maines and the Pines, nothing happens by happenstance. The Lost Pines are a young group full of direction, clarity, and care for their collective art form.”
Christopher Anderson - Victory Music
“This is pure bluegrass: no fusion of indie folk, no lo-fi regression to old-timey, just a showcase of instrumental picking and fine harmonies.You can drop the figurative needle down on just about any track on the disc and get the kind of flawless solos and interaction that require, no, compel you to start tapping your foot.The fiddle and mandolin interaction of Shawn Dean, Jon Kemppainen, and Alex Rueb, on several songs is a real joy.And the bass of Brian Durkin is a steady, ever-present foundation that by midway through the album has emerged as a key ingredient. All of that fine instrumental work staying at the right level no doubt owes a debt of gratitude to veteran producer Lloyd Maines. The Lost Pines wrote all their own songs on Sweet Honey. Add everything up and this is a band with a bright future. But more importantly, put all my blather and analysis aside and go to the heart of the matter. Hit play on almost any song on the album and I just dare you to sit still.”
Shawn Underwood - Twangville
“The Pines' mix of high lonesome and Texas country influences comes across as authentic and precise. With Lloyd Maines in the producer's seat, Sweet Honey drips not one note out of place... Lost Pines play bluegrass with a certain ebullience that reflects their youth....Sweet Honey's only their second disc, but the Lost Pines already sound like veterans.”
Jim Caligiuri - Austin Chronicle
“The bluegrassband from everyones favourite music city, Austin, under supervision from Lloyd Maines (Producer for the Dixie Chicks, and father of Dixie Chick Natalie Maines) have created a swinging good album - complete with great melodies and fresh lyrics - typically close to traditional bluegrass. Bluegrass can have a tendency to become very monotonous, and to hear an entire album can often be excruciatingly boring. There are a few bands that manage to do enough to keep the listener interested throughout the album. The Lost Pines is such a band! Much of the secret lies in the fact that the instruments are not as overwhelming they can be on some bluegrass releases, as well as breaking up all and any signs of monotony by alternating between a male and a female vocalist.”
Rune Letrud - Musikkbloggen Hør nå... hør nå!
“I enjoy Bluegrass music. I've studied it for many years and feel fairly qualified to recognize what's good.....Lost Pines music is the good stuff....This band approaches Bluegrass in a slightly different way....I can't describe what's different about Lost Pines, I just know they are a good listen and have developed their own sound. I like it.”
Lloyd Maines - Music Producer/musician
“Vocals, material and instrumental skill.The Lost Pines have them all.Their vocals have always been spot on and they've only gotten better.Their material has been original and creative since the beginning, not an afterthought, and there is no shortage of well-executed instrumental breaks.”
Tom Pittman - Austin Lounge Lizards
“It almost seems unfathomable to think that young people would give a sweet damn about traditional bluegrass. But, The Lost Pines have proven those living inside the box completely wrong. Middle Of The Morning is straight down to earth, Texas good timin’ tunes.”
Ron Trembath - FensePost
“Austin bluegrass done right.”
Doug Freeman - The Austin Chronicle
“The latest wrinkle in the Austin area Hill Country bluegrass scene nail their debut with the spirit of the high, lonesome sound, with sweetly pine-scented songs and a loose-limbed musicality that adds up to genuine charm.”
Rob Patterson - Texas Music Magazine
The Lost Pines play the best live Bluegrass and Texas Country Music in and around Austin, TX. Check out their show schedule or book them for your wedding or event today!
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