In 2023, the sibling duo of Brian and Michael D’Addario, known as The Lemon Twigs, released Everything Harmony—a remarkably infectious 13-song project brimming with whimsical melodies and jangly pop tunes. The duo wasted no time releasing a follow-up, A Dream Is All We Know. If you’ve heard their previous work, you know how high this band sets the bar. Rather than reach for what is easily attainable, The Lemon Twigs reach beyond their standards. These new songs are Brit-pop-inspired, guitar-driven, and riddled with soaring harmonies. The duo unmistakably finds solace in frolicking in experimental and psychedelic greener pastures.
Call it strategic marketing. Call it a universal coincidence. Call it what you want, but The Lemon Twigs released an album as bright as the summer’s sun. These songs are painfully vibrant. It is so cheerful and sweet that it almost sounds like the band is trying to compensate for all the pain and strife. The band leans heavily into their pop tendencies, although these are far from your average pop songs. They harken back to a time when “pop” simply meant popular rather than being defined by following trends. They pack experimentation into tightly wound structures and accent their dives into bluesy riffs with a sense of freedom. The success of their last LP seems to have unlocked a fearlessness in the band as A Dream Is All We Know sounds like the album The Lemon Twigs have been waiting to make their whole lives.
The fact they sound so comfortable and confident while delivering some of the most daring music of their career proves The Lemon Twigs’ pure intentions. The album transitions from sentimental balladry (“In The Eyes Of The Girl”) to busy garage-rock orchestrations (“How Can I Love Her More.”) The Lemon Twigs pen touching stories of love and caution over a colorful array of pop-tinged arrangements. No matter the arena, the band consistently finds time for their signature harmonies. The band can configure their arrangements anyway, but failure isn’t an option as long as their soulful vocals are present.
Under the experimental pop arrangements are stunning examples of pure poetry. While their musicianship has found new territory, their songwriting continues to explore the nooks and crannies of the human experience. It’s not that the band is repeating themselves. Each song offers a unique perspective on relationships and the world. The songs where they employ vague poetry are the real highlights of this album. Moments like “Ember Days” and “Peppermint Roses” are lined with palpable emotions while remaining for interpretation. Not that their moments of more directness are any less powerful. “I Should’ve Known Right From The Start” is as on the nose as it gets but quickly rises the ranks as one of the most stunning and warm tracks of Lemon Twigs’ discography.
The Lemon Twigs creates a meditative bliss on A Dream Is All We Know. Whether they’re making pop tunes that evoke the serenity of cherry blossom trees or bluesy rock that fills the room with heavy riffs, this project has a specific calmness that found a home in Beatles-inspired pop.
