The Lost Pines

The Lost Pines

Bluegrass is the ugly stepchild of Austin music. Its supporters are a cult of folk fanatics that inhabit the fringe of the scene, so the Lost Pines have their work cut out for them. A sixpiece fronted by vocalists Talia Bryce and Christian Ward, 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. Contemporary in the same sense as the like-minded Laurie Lewis and Marty Stuart, the Lost Pines play bluegrass with a certain ebullience that reflects their youth. The fast and loose "Singing Voice" and trailblazing put-down "I'm Leavin'" show off the band's taut musicianship, while the frolicsome "Cherry Pie" gives a taste of their sugared harmonies. Sweet Honey's only their second disc, but the Lost Pines already sound like veterans.