Approaching the Manchester University Students Union we are met by two queues, one short and one much longer. The longer queue is full of young moshers and emo kids whilst the shorter queue has more older people and the younger ones are dressed in corduroy jackets, flares, flowery shirts etc. It is easy to work out which queue is for The Lemon Twigs as although they were formed in the 2010s, they are a band out of time, whose sound owes a debt to the late '60s and early '70s. A prolific bunch, they are back in Manchester promoting their seventh album (and third in four years) 'Look For Your Mind!'.
It's a ballsy move calling your band The Stones when you know that another famous band are often referred by that name. It takes supreme confidence. Unfortunately, that confidence is misplaced as their sound is a bit confused, unsure of what it wants to be. They start off the set as uptempo power pop with a quirky edge. The bassist Vanessa exudes punk rock cool with a neat selection of Pixies style basslines whilst frontman Jay is eccentric and adds a psychedelic edge with his keys. However, it's a bit crazy and doesn't come together as cohesively as it could. The use of harmonica adds a country element but it doesn't really help matters as each extra component or style they add just makes it zanier and less coherent. This is all a shame as they seem pretty competent musicians. Towards the end of the set they hit upon a pounding rock and roll groove which is great but these moments are few and far between. When they're not being wacky, they give off a slight Neil Young vibe but most of the time it's a mediocre mismatch of styles.
The Lemon Twigs open with 'My Golden Years' and those glorious vocal harmonies catch the attention straight away. 'I've Got A Broken Heart' has more attitude than the studio recording but still has a mammoth chorus. The D'Addario brothers have a great repertoire of jumps, injecting a good deal of energy into the performance. The driving chorus and sun drenched melodies of 'The One' are fantastic. This is timeless music of a particular time, and the brilliant 'I Just Can't Get Over Losing You' sounds like a long lost classic from 1966. '2 or 3' follows and at this point it's hit after hit. These songs rely upon the vocal harmonies and melodies and the band nail each one.
The band switch instruments for the glorious Crosby, Stills & Nash flavoured 'Any Time Of Day' which shows how multi-talented they are. 'Friday (I'm Gonna Love You)' is a Monkees style thrashabout whilst the Beach Boys surf rock of 'Bring You Down' is a fantastic injection of energy. The little touches of falsetto add something extra to each song they're used in. 'Ghost Run Free's dynamic chorus is unbelievable. The Tremeloes meets 'Pet Sounds' ballad 'In The Eyes Of The Girl' features some lovely harmonies. The influence of The Who is all over the new album and tracks such as 'Look For Your Mind' and 'Fire And Gold' have an injection of that band's power. The glam rock stomp of 'Rock On (Over And Over)' closes the regular set.
Brian D'Addario comes out alone for the encore, playing an acoustic 'Joy' and the magical 'Corner Of My Eye' which sees a large portion of the crowd singing along. The rest of the band join him for a cover of The Move's 'I Can Hear The Grass Grow'. The 'Pet Sounds' influenced 'How Can I Love Her More?' is emotionally draining but the band aren't finished there as they find time to throw in a cover of Love's 'No Matter What You Do'. The Lemon Twigs may not be a household name but I find myself recommending them to anyone with a passing interest in '60s pop and tonight is another fine example of why I stake any credibility I have on them.
The Lemon Twigs ****
The Stones **
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