Album Review: The Lemon Twigs - ‘Everything Harmony’
The D’addario duo continue to dazzle on their long awaited new record ‘Everything Harmony’.
Endlessly talented brothers Brian and Michael D’addario continue to show their ever evolving music with perhaps their most ambitious and personal record yet.
Following their previous record ‘Songs for the General Public’, the third studio album in their catalogue, released in 2020; the duo are no strangers to serving up an incredibly eclectic package of tunes. Which their newest venture ‘Everything Harmony’ solidifies.
The Twigs have released four singles ahead of their album, the first being the Beatles-esque ‘Corner Of My Eye’ followed by ‘Any Time of Day’ and the beachy ‘In My Head’ – a song that will I’m sure, be played a lot throughout this summer by fans. With it’s sunny and upbeat guitar riff that carries the song, that cleverly juxtaposes the lyrics, which tells a different story of inner doubt and struggle. The newest single however, ‘Everyday Is The Worst Day Of My Life’ is not a song as much as it is a statement; with no other lyrics included in the song apart from the title. The single is a delicate folk song reminiscent of the early Simon & Garfunkel days, with each new verse adding a different harmony and depth. The wonderful thing about these four singles is how wildly different they all sound in comparison to each other; the duo go from a soft tune with harmonies, that the Mama’s and the Papa’s would be insanely proud of, with ‘Corner Of My Eye, to ‘Any Time Of Day’ a psychedelic 70’s fever dream which sounds like a lovechild of Wings and Todd Rundgren and a key change to die for. To an upbeat track with ‘In My Head’ back to a 60’s folk number that is ‘Everyday Is The Worst Day Of My Life’; keeping listeners on their toes and eager to hear exactly what their new album is going to sound like. Alas, here I am to fill you in.
‘Everything Harmony’ opens with an almost hymn-like song, ‘When Winter Comes Around’ a beautifully soft track that would sound at home performed in a cathedral. It’s a song that builds and builds all the way into a glorious wall of sound, with mighty harmonies off the scale that sounds like a choir.
The album definitely feels like The Twigs are letting their guard down, and allowing listeners to hear their more vulnerable side, with tracks like ‘Still It’s Not Enough’ and most notably ‘Born To Be Lonely’, a song which older brother Brian says explores the fragility that often comes with age. Inspired by the 1977 phycological drama ‘Opening Night’ directed by John Cassavetes, the heartfelt lyrics and sensational melody lends itself heavenly to a glorious orchestra, with an almost musical theatre production design – an idea the brothers have explored in the past with their second studio album ‘Go To School’.
Despite the record feeling a lot more personal and vulnerable, fear not, there are still some great rockers on there for those interested. ‘What You Were Doing’ really showcases the bands Big Star influence, impeccably produced and sang fantastically by younger brother Michael. As well as ‘Ghost Run Free’, a dazzling track full of euphoria which has a heavier 80’s indie rock synth feel to it, with gleaming guitars, Rundgren style harmonies and ever so charming lyrics.
Although The Lemon Twigs have always had excellent lyrics, they never let them overshadow the overall sound of their music. When talking about ‘Everything Harmony’, The Twigs said they made sure the sounds were as important as the songs, and they for sure delivered. With tracks ‘I Don’t Belong To Me’, ‘What Happens To A Heart’ and title track ‘Everything Harmony’, the production is off the scale. ‘I Don’t Belong To Me’ is beautifully haunting with a delectable instrumental and a jazz-like horn solo. ‘What Happens To A Heart’ also has incredible French horns on it, it’s very Beatles-esque and would fit perfectly on something like ‘Sgt Pepper’ with a melancholy harpsicord carrying the track to a truly sweeping chorus accompanied by elegant strings which according to the band is influenced by Leonard Cohen’s ‘Death Of A Ladies Man’. The title track ‘Everything Harmony’ opens with a haunting organ which follows into a charming little song of a perfect blend of vocals and strings which complement each other perfectly, with both Brian and Michael’s vocals blending as passionately as ever.
The final track on the album is ‘New To Me’, which circling back to this album being there most personal, this song is the best example. The song is inspired by the brothers experience with their loved ones dealing with Alzheimer’s, with the lyric ‘when you hold my hand and tell me who I am, I’ll find my hearts connection’ being beautifully heartbreaking. ‘New To Me’ has a lovely romanticism to it, with the D’addario’s signature harmonies lifting the song up even more, also highlighting the duo’s ability to be sensitive, romantic and vulnerable.
‘Everything Harmony’ is a sensational addition to The Lemon Twigs’ discography, and effortlessly shows their evolution as both songwriters and musicians. The Twigs have just embarked on their North American tour and will be following it up with a tour of Europe and the UK with this new album. If you’ve been a fan for years or only heard one song, grab a ticket and go and see this ridiculously talented band, I promise they won’t disappoint.
Words by George Venus
