ALBUM REVIEW: A Dream Is All We Know – The Lemon Twigs

Rock duo THE LEMON TWIGS have just put out their latest album A Dream Is All We Know. For this record, the New York-based duo have decided to move away from their typically more moody and sober perspective on life and into the realms of hopes and dreams. With sounds heavily inspired by 1960s pop, rock and doo-wop, the result is a collection of songs that leave you with a sense of bliss and calm – a happy escape from reality.

Opening with My Golden Years, the album begins with a blend of blues, indie-pop and folk that draws some comparison to the likes of THE BEACH BOYS. It has that 60s ‘happy go lucky’ pop feel where you feel calm and happy, like everything will be ok in the end. This a vibe and theme that continues throughout the album, a reflection of THE LEMON TWIGS‘ stated goal of making things sound dreamlike and escapist.

It is difficult not to find yourself swaying or bopping along to A Dream Is All We Know, with a smile on your face. In fact, this album could be the serotonin boost you might have been looking for. Sure, things can become a little mushy, as is the case in a track like How Can I Love Her More which is the epitome of a cheesy love song, yet you can’t help but feel warm inside.

The near entirety of the album is made up of pop songs, the only deviation being the concluding, and standout, track Rock On (Over And Over), which, as the title suggests, is a rock ‘n’ roll song that not only reminds you of the 60s but also brings in elements from the 50s with names like ELVIS PRESLEY and CHUCK BERRY coming to mind.

Other standout moments include Church Bells that not only makes you want to sway along but also click your fingers to the beats, A Dream Is All I Know that features funky, sci-fi sound effects that remind you of nostalgic movies of the genre when an alien or UFO appears on screen, and In The Eyes Of The Girl, another love song that will leave you smiling and feeling warm inside with a style that brings in 60s pop-rock and doo-wop.

THE LEMON TWIGS have created a record that will not only give you that serotonin boost but will also be the soundtrack for your summer. It’s hard not to feel happy and smile whenever you listen.

Rating: 8/10

A Dream Is All We Know is out now via Captured Tracks.

Like THE LEMON TWIGS on Facebook.