On April 24, music fans filled the industrial looking Essex Rochester, as Benjamin Tod and Lost Dog Street Band serenaded the air with the blended sounds of bluegrass, country, and folk music. The band is on the front end of a 23-stop tour in support of their newest album, Survived.
Walking into the venue, the smell of vapes and weed, the countless colors and patterns of flannel, and older Subarus with cargo racks let you know that the crowd was going to enjoy themselves and not just have a night out. Young and old alike, these fans were singing along all night long with every song. Of the few shows I have covered at this newer venue, this was easily the fullest I have seen it at the start of a show, and the fans were still packing in as the set went on.
Starting of the night was the duo Keith and Sparrow Smith, The Resonant Rogues. Coming from the mountains of North Carolina, The Rogues bring some classic, rustic country sounds that match equally with the band they are touring with. A little Twitty, a little Cline, and whole lot of fun.
Formed in 2013, Keith and Sparrow both brought songwriting experience to the table as they were avid travelers. One by hopping freight trains and the other while performing with a circus troupe. Regardless of their paths, they now are a team on and off the stage, and the connection has been perfect.
Resonant Rogues setlist: Dusk and dawn, Deluge, Sand into pearls, Misery is my company, Slow burn, 93,500 miles, The Blackest Crow, What Makes Me Think, Leave the Path, Ridgelines, Closing in
Hitting the stage around 9 was Benjamin Tod & Lost Dog Street Band. Like many musical artists, Tod has a story of a past. And like many before him, the past has defined who he was, who he is, and what does moving forward, such as making amazing music that tells stories.
“Survived”, the title track of newest album, is a prime example. Lyrics that ask life’s burning questions, Tod reflects on how and why he got to where he is. Having gone through tumultuous times personally and professionally, he is able to produce a well thought out and complete album, with deep lyrics throughout.
I carry some burdens too fragile to mold
I wear them like diamonds though they’re worthless as stones
As the show goes on, Tod and wife Ashley Mae playing the fiddle, serenade the crowd as they sing along, nearly getting drowned out. On Using Again, you could see and hear the first couple rows of fans belting out every word as loud as they could. Another poignant song, that seemingly speaks of Tod as he was trying his damndest to get and stay clean. Hard, deep thoughts that truly make you think and become grateful for life.
Lost deep inside of my dirty old soul
Some starry-eyed boy never taught self control
The cost of my living was more than I planned
So I held a needle like a gun in my hand
Having broken up the Log Dog project at one point, Tod realized that was mistake and after recording a solo album, he rejuvenated the band in early 2023. With that, we have “Survived”, which was released on April 26, aptly named for Benjamin Tod as well as the Lost Dog Street Band weathering some tough storms.
Setlist: Brighter Shade, Hubbardville Store, Lifetime of Work, Shooting Star, The Mountain, Using Again, Waiting around to Die, War Inside of Me, If You Leave Me Now, Lazy Moonshiner, September Doves, Wyoming, Survived
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