The Long Lost is a female-fronted folk-rock/Americana group based out of Chicago. The group features Katie Burke (guitar and vocals), Andi Avalos (vocals), Kevin McMahon (bass), and Steve Ashum (piano). This talented band delivers songs with compelling stories sung by unique vocals and harmonies to create one-of-a-kind musical experience. Their single, “Mama Don’t Know,” from their album 'Don’t Wait Up For Me', is a gleaming showcase of how musically adept The Long Lost are.


The song starts off with a nice acoustic guitar chord progression accompanied by a heart-thumping kick drum. Soon the bass enters, walking us into the first verse. The vocals enters with crystal clarity and a smooth timbre. The advanced harmonies throughout the verses yield a mysterious, haunting vibe that will give you chills. Together Katie and Andie achieve vocal bliss. The memorable chorus is relaxed with a nice back-porch swing. “Mama Don’t Know” is chock-full of mesmerizing melodies. Small piano motifs and a piano solo give the song a break as the piano timbre cut above the acoustic mix with tasteful melodic content. Elements of folk and blues resonate in the song.

The band drew inspiration for this song from their mutual admiration of the TV show, Law and Order SVU. "Mama Don't Know" is a song about choices and consequences, about being young and foolish. The lyrics tell the tale of a young women who is picked up in a bar. “In a smoky bar, your parents wonder where you are / Ooo, but you didn’t tell them / Barley 21, you’re just looking for some fun / Ooo, when he calls you over...” The hook asks, “Does your Mama know? /Does your Mama know? /Does your Mama know just what you’ve done? /Can you live each day? /Can you live each day? /Can you live each day with what you’ve become?” The story is gritty and the song's arrangement and performance do a great job of capturing and revealing both the sin and the innocence of the story, showing the band's lyrical sophistication.

If "Mama Don't Know" is any indication of the quality of music fans can expect of The Long Lost then their anticipated and upcoming EP, "Don't Wait Up For Me,' won't disappoint. The Long Lost is one band you will be glad you found; with their knack for writing enticing stories delivered by vocal prowess and intriguing arrangements, The Long Lost will have you falling in love with their music. Their music is available on Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. For more information on the group, visit their website. - Bryon Williams

Does your momma know about The Long Lost? Like how I threw in some lyrics? I know I'm pretty cool like that haha kidding. Okay now let me introduce you to this great Americana group from Orland Park, IL. Oh more talented musicians from the Chicago land area? Yep, we are surrounded with pure talent. The Long Lost music brings you that Indie Folk, Americana, Alternative, and personally I also get a blues vibe as well. Katie Burke and Andi Avalos are the front women of this amazing story-telling band.


The perfect example of this amazing story-telling is their latest release single titled Mama Don't Know. Okay when I first listened to the song I was like okay I like this it’s very mellow and chilled. Overall I thought this was a good song. Then I started to listen to the song over and over and caught on to the story. Soooo many questions going on in my head!! What happens? At the end the lyrics are "No you ain’t going home and your Mama don’t know" whaaaat? So there are so many scenarios going on in my head. Either I misunderstood or Katie and Andi know how to mess with your head haha. Is the guy forcing her to stay and she needs help? Or did she just decide to stay with the guy? Holy shit someone answer these questions for me. I guess the only who would know would be Katie and Andi.

Anyways the song is great; the chord progression, the keys in the back, and the outstanding vocals is what makes this song even better. I honestly cannot wait to hear their EP Don't Wait Up For Me. I know there will be plenty of new stories and I will have a ton of questions to ask. Not quite sure what inspired them to write this song. I guess I could easily ask them, but I think it makes it more fun for me and the listeners trying to puzzle everything together. It's like watching a TV show and you're dying to find out what happens next. Katie and Andi let's set up a group text so I can ask you both a ton of questions haha.

Would love to catch one their shows and bless my eardrums with their great music. These two are great musicians, therefore I could see them experimenting in the future with new sounds. Personally when I notice great talent I know their sound expands to something very creative. Who knows Don’t Wait Up For Me could be a Hardcore Rap album or maybe a Heavy Metal sound. You get the point I’m trying to make right? They are going to deliver great music and experiment as they grow. Looking forward to hear new music and hopefully building a relationship with this band. Check out the song below, you will hear more from them I promise!! - Eddy [@EBXCIII]