With the plethora of excellent albums coming out in just the last couple months, the hunt to be named “Album of the Year” is on. But, what if we already got it on May 3? Enter The Lemon Twigs’ 5th album “A Dream Is All We Know.”
The Lemon Twigs are brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario, hailing from Hicksville, New York. In the recording studio, Brian and Michael are the sole songwriters, arrangers, producers, and mixers. They also play every instrument on their recordings.
The Lemon Twigs released their first album in 2016, “Do Hollywood,” while they were both in their teens, and in the past eight years they’ve released five albums. Each of their works take from different genres and inspirations (their second, “Go to School,” is a full-length rock opera.) This newest record is part of a particularly prolific period for the boys, releasing this album about a year after their last, 2023’s also-excellent “Everything Harmony.”
But, let’s get to the music: their work is best described as melodic pop-rock, with influences from 60s and 70s acts like The Beatles, Beach Boys, and more obscure bands like The Left Banke. This is not to say their music is derivative: the energetic, artfully composed music on this record stands on its own as great and innovative work.
Opening with the sunny, optimistic track “My Golden Years,” Michael takes the mic to sing about making every minute count during the golden age of his life. I am in love with the extended outro on this one, with stellar harmonies and detailed drum patterns. This song was also my first introduction to the band, which I found shortly after it was released as a single on January 2.
Also in the track list is the gorgeous “In the Eyes of the Girl.” Having a more 50s vibe, it’s a perfect slow-dance song about the narrator finding redemption and new belief in life after meeting his loved one. There is also the wistful, melancholy “I Should’ve Known Right From the Start,” and the jangle-pop celebration “Church Bells.” But my favorite track on the album is the (almost) title cut, “A Dream is All I Know.” This one is all about trying to find meaning for your life through your dreams and aspirations, and how it is “all I have got to show for my being here.” With a memorable chorus, multiple unexpected turns, and thoughtful lyrics, this song is the best representative of the Twigs’ vision for this record.
Closing with the glam rock sendoff “Rock On (Over and Over)” the band bemoans that “it took too long to say…rock on.” And off they go, after 12 tracks clocking in at 34 minutes, none overstaying their welcome but always keeping you guessing.
I had the privilege of seeing The Lemon Twigs live this year, from the front row. They sound not just as good, but better than they do on the recording. Their talented touring band, which includes bassist Danny Ayala and drummer Reza Matin, set a high standard for live playing. At one point they did a musical carousel where everyone changed instruments, and each member sounded just as proficient on their new one. They also have premiered a few new songs on their current tour, so let’s hope the wait is not too long for the next album.
In conclusion: “A Dream is All We Know’s” dedication to musicianship, while exploring fun and innovative song ideas, is why it is my album of the year. The Lemon Twigs are on a creative winning streak, and they’re only getting better. I have no idea what they are going to do next, and that’s the most exciting part of it.
