Everything Harmony – The Lemon Twigs ★★★★

Year	Album	Artist	Stars	Score	Genre
2023	Everything Harmony	The Lemon Twigs	★★★★	81	Rock	Pop Rock	Jangle Pop

I mean this in the best way possible. Everything Harmony sounds like a collection of songs written as 1970 and 80s sitcom theme music, or written for cheeky, modern television commercials trying to somewhat ironically capture the nostalgic sounds of the past. It’s sentimental, theatrical, soft rock with  baroque strings, big climaxing hooks, well-placed key changes and introspective, poetic lyrics. 

It’s obvious that the album is derivative of titans of the past — drawing from The Beatles’ solo efforts, the Beach Boys (especially with the vocals), The Carpenters — but it somehow doesn’t sound dated or like a cheap knockoff. Time and time again, beautiful instrumentals are paired with great vocal performances. “Any Time of Day” is probably my favorite of the showy tracks, and while some of the softer moments like the title track do end up blending in and feeling a little repetitive, the record is a delight to listen through.  

The few moments that deviate from that sound provide the perfect amount of variation, introducing more jangle pop and indie folk influences. “Ghost Run Free” is a fabulously catchy and warm track that feels straight out of the late 1980 or early 90s, a la The La’s, The Sundays, Gin Blossoms, what have you. “In My Head” has nice, upbeat acoustic work, bright synths and harmonies, and “What You Were Doing” brings a little more indie rock edge.