The Lemon Twigs, the sibling duo of Brian and Michael D’Addario, have released their sixth album, Look For Your Mind!, a meticulously crafted collection that draws heavily from the power-pop and psychedelic rock of the 1960s and 70s. The album showcases their signature sound, a potent blend reminiscent of The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and Todd Rundgren, filtered through their own contemporary sensibilities. This latest offering solidifies their reputation for sophisticated songwriting and production, moving beyond mere imitation to forge a distinct artistic identity.
A Sonic Tapestry of Influences
Look For Your Mind! is replete with sonic callbacks to legendary artists. The title track, for instance, features chiming guitars that evoke The Byrds, while the wistful melodies of “Mean To Me” echo Brian Wilson’s distinctive style. “Fire And Gold” could easily be mistaken for a track by Big Star, another band known for its melodic prowess. The D’Addario brothers expertly weave these influences into their own compositions, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh. “I Just Can’t Get Over Losing You” is a particularly strong example, featuring classic Merseybeat harmonies and guitar riffs that transport listeners back to the era of The Beatles’ early success.
While comparisons to The Beatles are frequent, Brian D’Addario acknowledges the recurring theme with a degree of diplomatic weariness. “Slightly,” he admits when asked if they are tired of the association, adding, “It depends in what context it’s being brought up.” He views such comparisons as a natural consequence of their musical inclinations, stating, “I’m never gonna lie about being influenced by this or that, but it sort of ends up cheapening the conversation sometimes.” Beyond the obvious Fab Four parallels, the album’s DNA also includes influences from Simon & Garfunkel, glam pioneers T-Rex, post-punk band Television Personalities, and the classic songwriting factory of New York’s Brill Building.
Sibling Synergy and Evolving Artistry
Brian and Michael D’Addario, sons of 1970s and 80s songwriter Ronnie D’Addario, have been immersed in music from a young age. They first gained critical acclaim with their 2016 debut, Do Hollywood, released when they were just 17 and 15. Their subsequent albums, including the ambitious concept album Go To School (2018) and the more introspective Everything Harmony (2023) and A Dream Is All We Know (2024), have demonstrated a consistent evolution in their sound and thematic exploration. After parting ways with their previous label, the brothers have independently navigated their career, often handling nearly all aspects of recording themselves.
For Look For Your Mind!, the D’Addarios embraced a new approach by bringing their touring band into their Brooklyn studio. This included bassist Danny Ayala, drummer Danny Reza, and contributions from Eva Chambers. “It was a very natural decision for us to involve everybody,” Brian explained. “It’s been about three years of having this line-up and we have a way of translating these sort-of-complex songs into a palatable live experience. We just thought it’d be cool to get it on record.” This collaborative effort infused the album with a vibrant energy, capturing the dynamic interplay of a live band, a departure from their typically overdub-heavy production methods.
Encounters with Idols and Authentic Dedication
The Lemon Twigs have had the privilege of working with esteemed figures in the music industry, having enlisted Todd Rundgren to produce their second album and Sean Ono Lennon for A Dream Is All I Know. However, a particularly memorable experience was meeting and performing for Brian Wilson at his birthday celebration. The brothers, performing as part of a cover band, were invited to play some of Wilson’s favorite songs. Michael sang “This Could Be the Night,” a Harry Nilsson composition, while Brian performed The Beach Boys’ “You’re So Good To Me.” Brian D’Addario described the moment as deeply moving, noting Wilson’s surrounded by “cool, sensitive people who just loved him.” He added, “It was definitely the best moment of my life.”
This validation from a foundational figure in pop music underscores The Lemon Twigs’ commitment to authentic artistry. Rather than simply capitalizing on nostalgia, the D’Addarios demonstrate a genuine dedication to refining their craft as songwriters and producers. Their work is characterized by a meticulous construction of songs that, while often appearing as straightforward love songs, contain subtle complexities and unique perspectives.
Contemporary Themes in a Vintage Sound
Beneath the classic sonic veneer of Look For Your Mind! lie lyrics that engage with contemporary issues. “You’re Still My Girl” hints at a love triangle, while “2 or 3” explores a romantic dynamic from the perspective of a partner feeling overshadowed by their more cultured significant other. The track “Bring You Down” cleverly masks lyrics addressing the cost-of-living crisis and the anxieties surrounding AI-driven automation, with Michael D’Addario singing, “They’re gonna take my job and give it to a metal machine.”
“Gather Round,” a song with a sound reminiscent of The Beatles’ White Album era, is described as a “collective action song” inspired by political disillusionment surrounding elections. Brian D’Addario expressed a sense of frustration with the political landscape, noting, “I was feeling very disillusioned, like a lot of people, at Joe Biden. And I obviously think Trump is horrible.” He elaborated on the yearning for trustworthy leadership amidst a perceived cycle of corruption.
The album’s closing tracks delve into themes of personal responsibility and the paranoia associated with an uncertain world, utilizing psychedelic textures to amplify these feelings. Brian D’Addario found the sonic destruction at the end of “Your True Enemy” to be a powerful metaphor for introspection and self-blame when external control is limited. “It really turns it all inward, kind of blaming yourself, which sometimes is all you have because you have such little control of the outside world. It’s cathartic.”
Looking Ahead: Quality Over Aesthetics
With Look For Your Mind! now released and actively being promoted, the D’Addario brothers feel a sense of immediacy and freshness that often eludes them due to their prolific songwriting habits. They typically maintain a backlog of songs, leading to a consistent output. Having recorded an album annually since 2023, they are considering a change of scenery for their next project, aiming to continue their artistic refinement. Brian D’Addario emphasizes their core philosophy: “quality over aesthetics.” He believes that music with genuine meaning, regardless of its era, possesses enduring relevance. “If that music really was meaningful, it’ll be meaningful for a very long time. And the same with us and anybody putting out music now.”
