The brothers D’Addario from Hicksville, New York form the nucleus of 70’s retro rockers The Lemon Twigs. Founded while the brothers were still attending high school the band features multi instrumentalists Brian and Michael D’Addario along with Daryl Johns (bass) Tommaso Taddonio (keyboards) and Andres Valbuena (drums). Their first album, the 2015 limited edition cassette only What We Know record, was limited to just 100 copies with a digital download also available. The band has come a long way since then, appearing on both Jimmy Fallon and Conan, opening for the Arctic Monkeys on their Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino Tour as well as taking the stage at Coachella, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and Glastonbury.
Five years after their initial cassette release the boys boldly return with their fourth album, the 12 track 43 minute long Songs For The General Public. Four years after their Jonathan Rado produced Do Hollywood sophomore album the band is still showing signs of the Foxygen effect. A trip down rock n roll memory lane, The Lemon Twigs latest time travels back to the late 60’s/early 70’s with Tomita/Wendy Carlos poly and monosynth explorations, Hunky Dory/Ziggy Stardust string arrangements, Hollies vocal harmonies, Godley & Creme led 10CC melodic experimentations and most notably the pocket symphony meanderings of Todd Rundgren at the summit of his pop peak with albums Something/Anything? and A Wizard, A True Star. Before the final strains of Songs For The General Public can be heard The Lemon Twigs even manage to throw in a little London punk circa ’77 with “Leather Together” as well as an homage to Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground on the second half of “Ashamed”, the albums closing track.
More than simply being derivative The Lemon Twigs sound like they mean it. In short, they come by their influences honestly. They proudly proclaim their hearts on their sleeves. Only time can tell as to whether their mixed bag of inspiration will eventually spin off into a sound that is distinctly their own. In the meantime, there’s much joy to be heard on the 12 tracks here, borrowed or not. Kick out the jams brothers!
8/10
2020 Song Of The Day Club
Bi-Weekly Record Review 26/26