After opening their UK tour in Cardiff at the end of August, The Lemon Twigs made their way to Oxford on September 2nd to grace the historical city with their resplendent presence - for the second of ten UK headline shows. 

Supporting band, and three-piece all female group Tchotchke, set the scene and delivered a delicate, yet powerful performance to kick the night off. The effortlessly cool New York rock band consists of Anastasia Sanchez, on drums and vocals, Eva Chambers, on bass and vocals, and Emily Tooraen, on guitar and vocals. They adorned the stage with a unique, yet familiar, sounding set of song renditions. The band’s sound is timeless, and I could hear the echoes of old-timey legends throughout their music. Tchotchke offered a perfect start to the evening. 

The time is about ten past 9. The pre show soundtrack fades as the lights dull and the tension rises. A few minutes earlier than expected, The Lemon Twigs take to the stage. Opening with one of their best known tracks, ‘My Golden Years’, the band is quick to captivate the audience. Their haunting harmonies and nostalgic sound, reminiscent of the 60s and 70s, are both a comfort and a thrill to hear live. The group is led by brothers and NY natives, Brian and Michael D’addario, who are joined by additional members of the touring band, Danny Ayala on bass and Reza Matin on drums. A muggy late summers evening on the second floor of a terraced Cowley Road building, foreheads were shining almost as much as Brian’s sparkly guitar. The band delivered a strong set from start to finish, with an outstanding selection from their personal discography, as well as a few exciting covers. After leaving the room pre encore - Brian returned to the stage to round out the set memorably with a couple of cosy acoustic numbers, entrancing the audience and soothing their souls. After Brian’s solos ended, the entire band reunited on stage for one final song, closing the night with one of my personal favorites, “How can I love her more.” I definitely hear The Beach Boys influences within this track. This song made for a fun and upbeat end to an exquisite evening.

I’m really glad I got to experience this show; it was intimate, energetic, magic (and sweaty). Some physical elements that were particularly memorable include Brian’s fabulous glittery red guitar (which reminded me of Dorothy’s shoes from The Wizard of Oz), and Michael’s magnificent sequence of jumps and high kicks (how does he get so high). Since seeing them live, I have experienced the joy of diving through their back catalogue and delving into old material, which I have been loving. I can’t seem to get their hooky melodies out of my head. I look forward to the next time I get to see The Lemon Twigs perform live and encourage others to get out and check them out.