In The Loop Magazine Power Pop Perfection: The Lemon Twigs Turn Back Time With Their Modern Retro Sound

Power Pop Perfection: The Lemon Twigs Turn Back Time With Their Modern Retro Sound

May 04, 2026 admin_bitlc Features, Music News, Reviews 0

By James Currie

There’s something quietly defiant about seeing a band like The Lemon Twigs pack a room like Metro. In an era obsessed with polish and playlists, the D’Addario brothers are carrying the torch for something far more tactile; songcraft, showmanship and a deep, almost scholarly love of rock history. And judging by the crowd, they’re not alone.

I’ve been on board for about a decade now, ever since Do Hollywood first landed and felt like a transmission from another time. Seeing them live in 2026, that same spirit hasn’t faded, it’s sharpened. Brian D’Addario and Michael D’Addario tore through a tight, relentless 22-song set in just about an hour, barely pausing for breath. It wasn’t rushed, it was focused, like they had too much music bursting at the seams to slow down.

Their sound sits comfortably in that sweet spot between power pop and classic rock, but that description even barely scratches it. You can hear echoes of everything from The Beach Boys’ harmonies to glam-era swagger, all filtered through their own slightly off-kilter, theatrical lens. Throw in a little early Beatles and you’ll get the idea. It’s melodic but never soft, intricate but never indulgent. Every song feels intentional, built with an understanding of structure that’s increasingly rare.

That foundation traces back to their upbringing out east in New York, where their father played a major role in shaping their musical instincts early on. You can feel that lineage in the way they approach songwriting, not just as expression, but as craft. Hooks come quick, choruses land hard, and bridges actually go somewhere.

The crowd reflected that same dedication. This isn’t a passive fanbase, they’re locked in. Every lyric echoed back, every transition met with recognition. The Lemon Twigs have built a loyal following the old-fashioned way: by being consistently, stubbornly themselves.

The set leaned heavily into new material from their upcoming album Look For Your Mind!, due out next week, though fans this night had the advantage of snagging it early at the merch booth. The new songs fit seamlessly into the set, suggesting the band isn’t reinventing themselves so much as refining what they already do exceptionally well.

Backing them up, Danny Ayala (Dr. Danny) on bass and keyboards and Reza Mati on drums provided a rock-solid foundation. They’re more than just support, they’re essential to the band’s live energy, locking in tight while giving the brothers room to roam.

By the time the set wrapped, it felt less like a performance and more like a statement: that great pop-rock, played with conviction and a sense of history, still has a place and still draws a crowd willing to believe in it.