Long time Missoula collaborator Caroline Keys makes her ‘solo’ debut with Mean to Stay. Though the material sometimes yearns for uncharted horizons, tracks like “Back to Hungry Horse” and “Fort Benton,” root the album firmly in in Montana. The 11 songs on Mean To Stay were developed by Caroline Keys + The LaneSplitters (bandmates from Stellarondo, The Best Westerns, and Broken Valley Roadshow) and recorded at Type Foundry in Portland, OR by Adam Selzer. After a few live performances The LaneSplitters were invited to open for Dwight Yoakam at The Wilma.
With Gibson Hartwell’s pedal steel, Jeff Turman’s upright bass, Nate Biehl’s electric guitar, and Matt Tipton’s percussion backing Caroline Keys’ guitar and banjo, The LaneSplitters put on a dynamic show that is as driving as it is atmospheric, as twangy as it is moody. Their towering vocal harmonies and left-of-country vibe will leave you with déjà vu of a place you’ve never been before.