The Lemon Twigs’ ‘A Dream Is All We Know’: A Timeless Tapestry of Sound
Nate Kline
Written by Nate Kline in Sonic Journeys Music

The Lemon Twigs’ ‘A Dream Is All We Know’: A Timeless Tapestry of Sound

When Brian and Michael D’Addario first hit the indie scene with Do Hollywood back in 2016, they seemed like time travelers, channeling the spirit of ’60s and ’70s rock with a giddy energy and playful confidence. Fast forward nearly a decade, and the New York brothers have steadily transformed from retro revivalists into true auteurs, and A Dream Is All We Know is their magnum opus.

This album doesn’t just echo the sounds of the past—it reimagines them, taking the bright, lush harmonies of the Beach Boys and the ambitious studio wizardry of Todd Rundgren, then mixing in a dash of glam rock flair and a whole lot of the brothers’ unique charm. From the very first notes of the opening track, “Golden Years,” you know you’re in for a ride. The track is like a warm hug from a long-lost friend, full of jangly guitars, soaring vocals, and lyrics that drip with that perfect blend of nostalgia and a serene acceptance of life’s fleeting moments.

The album’s genius lies not just in its musical excellence, but in its sense of playful ambition. The dynamic “They Don’t Know How to Fall in Place” morphs from a groovy little shaker into a whirlwind of vocal harmonies and shifting moods, a delightful callback to The Small Faces with a twist that’s all their own. “Church Bells” is a love letter to the British Invasion era, capturing that cheery, sing-along energy of early ’60s rock, while “A Dream Is All I Know” feels like a mission statement, a declaration of intent wrapped in shimmering spacey textures and bold, bright harmonies.

Then, there’s “Sweet Vibration,” which bounces along with a sunshine-y piano riff that’s equal parts Beatles and The Left Banke, making you want to take a walk in the warm spring air, with birds chirping and flowers blooming all around. It’s the kind of song you can’t help but smile to.

And just when you think you’ve got a handle on where this album is going, bam, along comes “In the Eyes of the Girl,” a dreamy Beach Boys-esque track that’s perfect for spinning around in your kitchen with someone special. It’s effortlessly charming, and a real showcase for their vocal harmonies.

There are plenty of other standouts: “How Can I Love Her More?” is a delightful rollercoaster of ’60s pop influences, while “Ember Days” is a beautiful, melancholic ode to nostalgia and change. And of course, the album closes with the raucous “Rock On (Over and Over),” a fitting tribute to the rock ‘n’ roll roots that have always driven the Twigs.

In a way, A Dream Is All We Know is the perfect title. The Lemon Twigs aren’t just making music—they’re crafting dreams. With every song, they transport you to another place, whether it’s a sunlit road trip in a vintage VW bus or a warm, late-night jam session with friends. It’s an album full of lush soundscapes and introspective lyrics, yet still full of that youthful exuberance that made their early work so exciting.

This is an album that demands to be listened to over and over again, each time offering a little more to discover. It’s the sound of two brothers, at the height of their powers, fully in control of their musical destiny. And while they’ve clearly been influenced by the past, they’ve managed to make something timeless. If this is the dream they’re living, it’s one that feels just as real and vibrant as the music itself.

You may also like

Related posts

Scroll