Lost Dog Street Band, the acclaimed dark country trio led by Benjamin Tod, almost became a thing of the past after their 2022 album, Glory. Benjamin Tod, who has been the driving force alongside his wife Ashley Mae (fiddle) since the band’s inception in 2011, felt it was time to lay the project to rest. “I came to terms with letting go of Lost Dog completely,” Tod explained, emphasizing the gravity of the decision. He even went through a process of accepting the band’s end, a method he uses for many difficult life choices.
Lost Dog Street Band promo image for their album 'Survived', featuring Benjamin Tod and Ashley Mae.
However, the story of Lost Dog Street Band took an unexpected turn. Just a month after recording a solo project in January 2023, Tod felt an undeniable pull to revisit the band. “I thought I was done with Lost Dog, but after recording my solo album, I looked over all the songs that I had ready for a new record. These were songs for my band,” Tod admitted. He realized that his musical journey with Lost Dog Street Band was not over.
This revitalized energy permeates their latest album, Survived, beginning with the opening track “Brighter Shade.” The song immediately captivates with interwoven guitar melodies and Ashley Mae’s distinctive fiddle, creating a rich soundscape that perfectly frames a compelling mandolin part and shuffling drums. In “Brighter Shade,” Tod’s heartfelt lyrics, “Each day I love you more,” are a testament to his relationship with Ashley Mae, and the poignant lines, “I could leave but some part of me would stay,” hint at the deep connection he has with his music and band.
Ashley Mae echoed the initial feelings of finality and the subsequent excitement of the band’s rebirth. “I definitely felt a good amount of grief and sadness that it was going to come to a close,” she shared. The prospect of Lost Dog Street Band ending was genuinely felt. However, the resurgence of the band has been a source of immense joy. “Seeing it reinvigorated in a completely different spirit and light is very exciting,” she added, highlighting the positive shift in the band’s dynamic.
A key element in this new direction for Lost Dog Street Band was their recording process. Benjamin Tod opted for a live recording approach, a departure from their usual method of overdubbing parts. This change was inspired by his solo album experience, where he found the live recording process incredibly successful and creatively stimulating. This new approach became a catalyst for the Lost Dog Street Band revival. “We were able to finish the entire album in five days, and it has a remarkable energy to it,” Tod explained, emphasizing the efficiency and raw feel of the recording.
The album’s title track, “Survived,” which closes the record, encapsulates the band’s journey. The mournful fiddle and strummed mandolin create a beautifully melancholic backdrop for Tod’s vocals, which are delivered with raw passion and vulnerability. “Lord, I have survived,” he sings, reflecting on personal and professional challenges overcome.
Ashley Mae further elaborated on the deeper meaning behind Survived. “Benjamin and I, both individually and together, have been through some professionally grinding and demoralizing personal times over the past five years,” she revealed. The album title and its underlying themes are rooted in real-life struggles and resilience. “To take a step back from that over the past year and realize, ‘Wow, we held it down and withstood that, and we survived that,’ was a really good, bright, shining moment. It was the high point during a demoralizing time.”
In conclusion, Survived by Lost Dog Street Band is more than just a new album; it’s a testament to resilience and a symbol of rebirth. As Tod himself describes it, “This record means everything. It just feels like salvation.” For fans of Lost Dog Street Band and newcomers alike, Survived offers a powerful and deeply moving musical experience that resonates with themes of overcoming adversity and finding hope in the face of challenges.
