The Breakdown
I mean, it’s obvious when you think about it. Pull together the best bits from mid-term Beatles, the sunshine pop of The Beach Boys, baroque elements beloved of The Left Banke, Love, the psych pop of bands such as West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band, and elements of Todd Rundgren, Nick Lowe, and the likes, infuse it with your own melodies, and hey presto, you have a brilliant album on your hands. That’s precisely what The Lemon Twigs have accomplished with their latest offering, A Dream Is All We Know, a dazzling homage to the golden era of pop reimagined through their unique lens.
This joyous affair, set for release less than a year after their acclaimed Everything Harmony, is a celebration of dreams and melodies, capturing the spirit of 1968 and beyond with a fresh twist. Brian and Michael D’Addario, the visionary brothers behind The Lemon Twigs, combine Merseybeat, California harmonies, and bubblegum pop to create a collection of irresistible pop nuggets. The album explores themes of escapism and existential introspection, all wrapped in a kaleidoscope of musical experimentation.
The album’s strongest suit lies in its impeccable set of songs— almost every one a potential single. From the infectious opener “My Golden Years,” a beautiful Beatles homage, to the baroque pop gem “I Should’ve Known from the Start,”and the glam of album closer “Rock On” every track is a testament to The Lemon Twigs’ songwriting prowess. What truly sets them apart is their ability to infuse complexity with accessibility, weaving intricate musical phrases and unexpected psych-pop turns into catchy, delicious melodies.
Occasionally, the album veers towards the ‘easy’ territory, but The Lemon Twigs steer their ship through the sea of classic pop with finesse. Tracks like “Church Bells” with its lilting seven time, and “Sweet Vibration” it showcases their penchant for experimentation, combining instruments and influences with an wistful abandon yet maintaining a cohesive sound.
The Lemon Twigs are on a creative high with A Dream Is All We Know. While their influences may be evident, few have executed this blend of retro nostalgia and modern sensibility as masterfully as they have. With this album, they’ve solidified their place as purveyors of timeless pop, earning accolades and acclaim that are well-deserved. So, while combining those elements might be obvious, many have tried and failed. The Lemon Twigs have excelled.
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