Press

Pop Matters 5/7/18 (Jonathan Frahm)
Captivating in both its music and the themes that come with it, the duo's sophomore effort is an even deeper dive into their personal worlds. Influenced by some of the finest songwriters and poets to come from out of folk and country movements, the Lied-To's certainly know how to weave a dark tale in a way that still entrances.

Yet, in knowing that these songs are written with their primary inspiration having been Levine and Kwartler's own lives and the struggles that they survive on a daily basis, the bravery that they set forth with creating this record is even more enthralling. For every darkness, there is a silver lining, and oftentimes it begins with letting it all out. The Lied-To's remind us of this on The Lesser of Two Evils. Its darker themes tend to heal in more ways than one upon realizing this reminder—one that keeps us mindful of what we still have to mutually embrace and fight for in the face of adversity.

MusicBoxPete 5/11/18
Boston based roots/americana duo The Lied To's have released their brand new album today called "The Lesser of Two Evils". Comprised of Doug Kwartler and Susan Levine, the two draw on their experiences from being single parents coming off amidst bitter divorces, and translating the stress that often comes associated with it into magical and beautifully potent music heard before you. There's something often being said that taking all the drama and negativity in your life, and turning it into something that you feel is worthwhile and making a purpose is exactly what these two are doing. I loved the pure, unadulterated bluegrass vibe that was omnipresent throughout, and really feel that they are on the cusp of something special that is only furthering their resolve to become better people as a result of what they've been through.


Goldmine Magazine 5/18/18 (Lee Zimmerman)
The Lied To’s have lived their music in ways few other bands can claim. The two principals, Doug Kwartler and Susan Levine, each suffered bitter break-ups with their respective spouses and were forced to face the difficulties of putting their lives together in the aftermath. Not surprisingly then, their songs reverberate with the aftertaste of the challenges they weathered along the way. Taking their name from a lyric contained in the Everly Brothers song “When Will I Be Loved,” the blend of country, roots and folk imbued in their sophomore set The Lesser of Two Evils isn’t sugar coated in any way, but echoes instead with the hard realities most folks encounter in similar circumstances. It’s both tough and tender, spearheaded by opening track “Cruel World,” a song that sets the tone for all that follows. The theme is picked up by “The Lesser of Two Evils,” which finds the duo laying down a matter-of-fact mantra that further defines the realities brought to bear in the toughest of circumstances. These are hard lessons for the learning, but given their tenacious delivery, honesty and conviction, it’s completely compelling regardless.

Roots Music Report 3/20/2018 (Duane Verh)
If some tracks on their disc are indicators, the New England duo The Lied To's may risk an interruption to their performing ambitions with full-time songwriting careers. Falling on the right ears, the title track here could easily score cover consideration and each of the pair display a further knack with the lyric pen on tracks such as "Millionaire" and "Windtalker." Harmonies are sweet and instrumental backup is solid.