Had their implementation of stylish 1970s influences not been clear enough on the recent release Everything Harmony, The Lemon Twigs make it clearer here. My Golden Years has all the iconography and setting of an early 1960s release – the push back further into history a wonderful flirtation with the past in a time where nostalgia benefits the listener. Through this, The Lemon Twigs are marrying the sharp tact of modern instrumentals with the classic guidance of essential artists from way back when. My Golden Years takes a leaf from both books and pieces them together slowly, assuredly and soon the leap to a new height is found. It is a shockingly strong piece – though this should be no surprise.
With some elements of The Beach Boys in their vocal interjections, My Golden Years starts steady and ends as a tremendous piece for the duo to work from. Feeding their appetite for 1960s discovery and reliable tunes, it should be no surprise the pair has worked this blend of multi-instrumental modernity with a vocalist whose voice belongs to the Apple Records heyday. Pleasant, warm and flowing well before expanding into a Pet Sounds style of upbeat frivolity lends The Lemon Twigs some real favour here. A three-minute wonder of a track, with plenty of depth to it. Key to enjoying The Lemon Twigs is understanding they are not just ripping up the past – though the tide of discourse will soon turn against them. A shame, since they do not deserve it, but the likes of My Golden Years feel soundtrack-ready for summer blockbusters.
But their creative blur and the fanciful charms they bring to the table when planting their style in the beats and instrumentals of yesteryear are stellar. The Lemon Twigs set themselves apart from the genre and era they love despite openly adopting the iconography. Welcomed into this fold and sticking it out for as long as they can, the swift guitar work and charmingly floaty vocals, soon brush into harsher cries for those titular golden years. It all comes together tremendously. Fear the loss of those glory days – it is only a matter of time before they pass. My Golden Years is not the beginning of the peak for The Lemon Twigs, it is gifted out by the band when they are already on top.
Start your year well with some shimmering nostalgia pieces. My Golden Years is a wonderful, upbeat piece which takes its listeners for a ride. Expect tranquil tones and relish the strong vocal range here from a band whose comparisons cast such a wide net it is futile to do it – anything from Wings to Supertramp to Big Star. The fact is, My Golden Years is a shining example of how old sounds can be fitted into a new era. The Lemon Twigs are cementing themselves as a band with a legacy older than they are – moved by the wonderful tones of an era long gone. As those familiar faces begin to depart and slow down their output of works, it is up to those sounding similar or even the duos with enough of an influence hanging over them to carry the torch. The Lemon Twigs do just that, and they do it well.
