In the buzz-filled Electric Ballroom of North London last week, the woman next to me exclaimed, “Aren’t these guys fantastic? They’re like, 17!” She was spot on with her enthusiasm, if not with their ages. The Lemon Twigs, composed of brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario, may no longer be in their teens, but their youthful energy and electrifying talent are captivating the rock scene.
Watching the Twigs perform was like witnessing the revival of classic rock stardom. Their performance sparked reminders of the look of Steve Perry and Journey at the peak of their powers, the harmonies of Badfinger, and the songwriting genius of Big Star, and yet it still felt like watching something new and fresh. The D’Addario brothers, hailing from Long Island, New York, demonstrated an uncanny ability to channel the exuberance of classic rock, infusing their music with rich harmonies that would make bands like Jellyfish beam with pride. The duo’s knack for multiple instruments, coupled with their ambitious songwriting, has made them a stand-out act that’s breathing life into a forgotten genre.
While their recorded music is a blend of 7’0s rock and pop-baroque influences, their live performance takes it up a notch. I walked into the Electric Ballroom expecting a mellow, ’70s-style rock band. Instead, I was met with an explosive, high-energy spectacle that left me unsure of where to look. The music was a rollercoaster ride, heavy at times and reminiscent of Zeppelin, married beautifully alongside the jangly pop of 10cc, all while still maintaining a unique twist. It was clear the Twigs draw inspiration from a variety of sources, channelling them into a sound that’s distinctly their own. I know this sounds cliched, but give them a listen and you’ll hear exactly what I mean.
The brothers’ most recent album, Everything Harmony, has been making waves since its release last month. Dialled back slightly from their typical flamboyance, the album’s sentimental style showcases their growth as artists. Their single, “Corner of My Eye,” is yet another testament to their ability to blend vintage influences into truly remarkable songwriting. The album’s Metacritic score of 88/100 hits the universal acclaim mark and thrusts them into a class well beyond their years, setting them up for a long and fruitful career even if the music business machine fails them.
The setlist focused on the new album with eight songs from their latest magnum opus, but the highlights for me were all over the place. “Foolin’ Around” translates incredibly well to a rock ‘n’ roll show, while “In My Head” brought a Simon and Garfunkel vibe with its stellar harmonies, and “As Long as We’re Together” closed out the set in epic fashion. I don’t think anyone left the venue before that last note rang through the ballroom.
In short, this London show was not just a highlight of 2023 but a truly unforgettable concert experience. Watching the Lemon Twigs perform live, you can’t help but feel you’re witnessing something extraordinary. And it’s clear—these brothers aren’t just dipping their toes into rock stardom—they’re diving in headfirst.
