We’ve been waiting on this one for a while, folks. Lawrence’s favorite family string band, The Lost Keys, have finally released their debut self-titled album. These are familiar faces in the band, headed up by Tricia Spencer and Howard Rains (of Spencer and Rains). They are backed by their children, who of course turned out to be expert musicians as well after being raised in a musical household in a musical town. Tricia and Howard provide the vocals (and fiddle and guitar) while their children Isaiah (fiddle and guitar), Orion (banjo-uke), and Ru (bass) back them up.
The album kicks off with a rousing rendition of “Buffalo Girls” (everyone knows this one from “It’s A Wonderful Life”) before diving into the band’s theme song (which is usually how they open their live shows). The rest of the album is a masterclass in letting your hair down at the end of a long day. If you’re looking to make the space between your back and the chair a little smaller, throw on this album. It works for any time of day. The Lost Keys can help you kick start the day with tunes like “Make My Coffee Black” or enjoy a well-deserved day off with our personal favorite “Relax Your Mind.” Because both Spencer and Rains were raised in such musical environments and come from a long line of musicians, some of their songs are familial. Howard usually introduces “Ding Dong Daddy” while referencing a family member from Dumas, TX. This is one of the funnest tunes to hear live.
If nothing else, The Lost Keys are a band that shows how to preserve the historical nature of these songs from both Kansas and Texas. This is old-time string music for modern-day bluegrass lovers. We recall a year at Mixmaster Music Festival where Tricia introduced herself as specializing in “60’s music…. 1860’s music!” This is the stuff you want to listen to when you are in need of transporting back to a simpler time. That’s what happens here in the Midwest. Time moves a little slower, you take your coffee black, and you relax your mind. Keep this album in rotation for the stressful days. You’ll thank us later.