The Lemon Twigs 70’s influenced rock at New Century Hall Manchester 31st May 2023

June 1, 2023
UK Concert Reviews
by Billy Seagrave Photographer/Writer

WORDS AND IMAGES BILLY SEAGRAVE

Billy Seagrave headed into Manchester to catch New York 70’s influenced classic rockers the Lemon Twigs for a night of pure indulgent retro sounds.

But first it was Tchotchke three native New Yorkers. Anastasia Sanchez, on drums, Eva Chambers, on bass, and Emily Tooraen on guitar (The word ‘tchotchke,’ by the way, means a small decorative trinket – think porcelain statues, novelty mugs and the like.). They are full-on talented girl power band and this was a confident performance, with catchy melodic tunes, neatly performed and delivered to a large crowd that had turned up early to catch them, its always a great feeling for a band when that happens, their self-titled debut album that was produced by tonight’s host, The Lemon Twigs, is a real grower. Having been a constant on this tour, it looks and feels that the opportunity has put them in a good place for the future, think “Wet Leg”, crossed with “Blondie”.

SET LIST ( we think )

1/ Ronnie

2/ You’ll Remember Me

3/ Dizzy

4/ Come on, Sean

5/ What Should I Do?

6/ Don’t Hang up on Me

7/ Wish You Were a Girl

8/ Oh Sweetheart, Come

9/ Longing Delights

The Lemon Twigs are an American rock band formed by brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario. They hail from Long Island, New York, and gained recognition for their retro-inspired sound and theatrical performances. The band incorporates elements of classic rock, power pop, and baroque pop into their music.

What you get from the D’Addario brothers is a blistering performance where they wear their hearts on their sleeves. opening with “The One”, then straight into “In my head”, and the powerful “Live in favour of tomorrow”. They incorporate lush harmonies along with intricate arrangements, that are so clearly influenced by the likes of The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Queen and even Todd Rundgren. As the band played through a twenty-one-song set, “Any time of Day”, and “Foolin around”, demonstrates their style which is characterised by a mix of classic rock song structures, elaborate vocal harmonies and at times a touch of theatricality.

As the initial set comes to an end, with “Every day is the worst day”, and finally “Leather together”. It has been a classic montage of great music and performance, all appreciated by a crowd who have been on it from the off. Having taken several moments to catch their breath, they return for the encore. We are treated to a laid-back and beautiful acoustic break with “When winter comes around”, and the even more poignant, “Corner of my Eye”, totally indulgent, perfectly delivered. Finishing with “As Long as we are together”, which brought to close a set from a band that is still on top of their game, it’s not easy building a wall of sound, taken from your idols, it’s a skill to deliver that to an adorning fanbase, that has witnessed a wonderful evening.