Live Review: The Lemon Twigs - SWG3, Glasgow 29/05/2023
Nearing the end of their European and UK leg of their tour, The Lemon Twigs grace Glasgow with their beautiful harmonies and incredible stage presence.
Opening for The Lemon Twigs is fellow New Yorkers Tchotchke, the all female power-pop trio that combine wild screams with harmonies like honey. They're performance is oozing with attitude and confidence, performing tracks 'Don't Hang up on Me', a song that makes you imagine what it would've been like if Kate Bush had joined Sparks, and candy-coated sixties-esque, sunshine pop tune 'Oh Sweetheart, Come'.
They continue to play a couple more tracks off of their self-titled debut album,'Longing Delights' and the sparkly single 'Ronnie'. The ladies finish up their set and thank the audience before leaving the stage, definitely making a lasting impression on all in the room. If the person standing next to me was anything to go by, saying "well, I have to start listening to them.." yeah I would lad.
After a kick-ass set from Tchotchke, one more pint of Tenant's and a brief singalong to the great pre-show playlist later, and here come The Twigs. The group kicked off ferociously with 'The One' the first single off their previous record 'Songs for the General Public', the audience immediately bopping away to the dazzling guitars with an atmosphere established of pure, unadulterated enjoyment. The song comes to an end and before the crowd can even clap, we're thrust into 'In My Head' the first song of many to be played off their new album 'Everything Harmony', within the mere minutes their first two songs have been played, Brian and Michael's harmonies are evident and ever so powerful, more so live than on their records - a concept I once thought impossible. The band's vocals continue to shine throughout their next couple of songs off their previous 2020 record along with a cheeky Beatles cover of 'I'll Be Back' from their iconic 1964 album 'A Hard Day's Night' which as a scouser, made me very happy.
Now it has to be mentioned that The Lemon Twigs' stage presence is as marvelous as the shiny gold pants donned by younger brother Michael. It's not hard to see how passionate the band are about the music they're performing and the chemistry between, not only the two siblings but the other two members on stage - which includes OG member and fan favourite (judging on the over 2 minute long cheer he received when introduced) Danny Ayala, and multi instrumental 'Uni Boy' member Reza Matin. The group all work together like different parts of a machine, to ensure maximum effect and outstanding performance; it's truly magnificent to watch. Despite the band's focus and commitment to deliver an amazing show, their sense of humour and goofy side can't help but shine through; especially with Michael encouraging the crowd to drink the cups of water being given out by security - ensuring us they were shots. Unfortunately, they were not.
'Any Time of Day' came next, with the loudest cheer yet from the audience with a live rendition of the killer key change melting serious faces. But the real standout was 'What Happens to a Heart' a track off their new album that seemed too ambitious and grandiose to possibly be performed live; but as per usual, the D'addarios pull it out the bag and knock it out the park with a mesmeric version.
Fan favourite 'Queen of My School' is next, shortly followed by 'Tailor Made' and 'Foolin Around', two EP tracks I was extremely excited to hear as was everyone else judging by the dancing and head bops. The Twigs then returned to tracks off of their new record, with gleaming guitar strokes on 'Ghost Run Free' and 'Everyday Is The Worst Day of My Life' before the hard as hell rocker 'Leather Together'- with signature high kicks and jumps from Michael.
The band then thanked the audience and left the stage, before older brother Brian returned alone and proceeded to play the opening track of their new album 'When Winter Comes Around' which was amazing to hear live and sung so beautifully by Brian. He then played 'Corner Of My Eye' where he was joined by the crowd as they sang every word in a choir-like way, it was a glorious moment of appreciation and loveliness.
Michael, Danny and Reza then rejoined Brian onstage for one last song, 'As Long As We're Together' a great end to the night and an electrifying closer to the gig. Seeing The Lemon Twigs live is a real feast for the eyes, and a treat for the ears - and seeing them in a venue as iconic as SWG3 in Glasgow really was the lemon on top of the cake... (I hate myself). So if you do have a chance to catch this band on the remaining dates of their tour do it, you won't regret it.
Words by George Venus
