In Concert: The Lemon Twigs

The D’Addario brothers, two teenagers from Long Island, were born to boogie.
The story goes that both Brian and Michael (sons of a session musician) were raised on a strict diet of classic rock. The seeds were planted early, with every note absorbed.
By consequence, they’ve turned their education into a formula. The moves, the look, and the chops are frighteningly natural.

Photo by Myles Herod
As The Lemon Twigs, they’ve attracted a sold-out crowd within the cramped walls of the Horseshoe Tavern. Word of their lo-fi, complex glam-pop has caught fire. People are itching to know if they’re the real deal.
[The D’Addario brothers] were raised on a strict diet of classic rock.
In amongst the anticipation, the band swaggers on stage, full of flair and nervous energy. Brian D’Addario, the eldest, kicks things off. Dressed in pink, he wields his guitar as the band rips through their debut single, “These Words.”

Photo by Myles Herod
In the back, beating the drums like a feral animal, younger brother Michael makes his presence unavoidable. He’s clearly the spastic wild child of the two.
Remaining members, Megan Zeankowski (bass) and Danny Ayala (keys), hold their own, soulfully supporting the brethren in their pursuit of a perfected retro-patchwork.

Photo by Myles Herod

Photo by Myles Herod
It’s at the midpoint when Michael takes lead on stage, sending off searing riffs while fiercely dancing up a storm.
Word of their lo-fi, complex glam-pop has caught fire. People are itching to know if they’re the real deal.
The set builds and builds until we reach Michael’s own single, “As Long As We’re Together” with all the thrill and anthemic hallmarks of the Bowie-penned, Mott the Hoople classic, “All the Young Dudes.”

Photo by Myles Herod
Although on paper this hodgepodge of 70’s rock (Big Star and Todd Rundgren spring to mind) could come across as parody, the Long Island natives manage to make it effortless.
The magic of their music, for better and for worse, is its self-awareness.

Photo by Myles Herod
If anything, The Lemon Twigs are far from finished digging through their Dad’s record collection.