The Lemon Twigs - A Dream Is All We Know (Album Review)
Friday, 10 May 2024
Written by Matthew McLister
Photo: Stephanie Pia
The Lemon Twigs have long walked a thin line between acknowledging classic ‘60s songwriters and being a pastiche of that period. After the success of 2023’s ‘Everything Harmony’, the New York-based brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario have wasted little time in delivering their fifth album ‘A Dream Is All We Know’, with the strength of their joyful melodies and meticulously-crafted indie-pop songs keeping them on the right side of things.
This is the duo’s best and most concise effort yet, leaning heavily on upbeat Beach Boys harmonies and swatches taken the Beatles in their early experimental era (some are calling the combination of the two sounds “Merseybeach”) alongside the reflective Simon & Garfunkelisms of their previous LP.
In fact, this record contains a connection to The Beatles in its own right. In The Eyes Of The Girl was co-produced by John Lennon’s son, Sean Ono, but fittingly it continues the tonal mashup, pulling in Brian Wilson-esque vocals and sublime barbershop quartet melodies.
Similarly, How Can I Love Her More is a catchy bop containing jagged keys and soppy lyrics straight out of ‘Pets Sounds’, just like the joyful Sweet Vibration (even if its “la la la la” bridge is too sickly to stomach). Elsewhere, Church Bells is a wide-ranging, captivating piece featuring frenetic acoustic solos, horns and ‘Rubber Soul’-era echo.
And the quality is maintained to the bitter end. Penultimate track I Should’ve Known Right From The Start is a nostalgic slice of high-pitched folk, wonderfully contrasting with closer Rock On (Over and Over) and its nod to the ‘50s rock ‘n’ roll of Chuck Berry. ‘A Dream Is All We Know’ is a layered, nostalgic pop record with immaculate summer vibes. A blissful ode to the past from two extremely talented brothers.
The Lemon Twigs Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Fri August 30 2024 - CARDIFF Globe
Mon September 02 2024 - OXFORD O2 Academy 2 Oxford
Tue September 03 2024 - BRISTOL Thekla
Wed September 04 2024 - BRIGHTON Concorde 2
Thu September 05 2024 - LONDON Electric Brixton
Sat September 07 2024 - LIVERPOOL Hangar 34
Mon September 09 2024 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE THE GROVE
Tue September 10 2024 - GLASGOW Saint Luke's
Wed September 11 2024 - LEEDS Brudenell Social Club
Thu September 12 2024 - MANCHESTER Manchester Academy 2
Sat September 14 2024 - DUBLIN Button Factory
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