Compartmentalise the band solely into either their faithful ‘70s throwback getup, or their prodigious youth, or their earnest brandishing of influences worn prominently on sleeve, and there are glimmers of mere gimmick. Their latest album Do Hollywood showed that their vision is backed by genuine appreciation for songcraft. Their debut Melbourne show at The Curtin – replete with high-kicks and short on shirts – was greater than the sum of its parts.
The live iteration of The Lemon Twigs brings in bassist Megan Zeankowski and keyboardist Danny Ayala, with Brian and Michael trading places between centre stage and the kit midway through the set. Michael, the younger of the two, helicoptered drumsticks at every given chance while Brian flexed his impressive vocal muscles on opener I Wanna Prove To You. Later, Michael’s unbounding energy translated into raw turns at singing the lead. Juggling instrumental responsibilities can stifle momentum, but Lemon Twigs barrelled along unimpeded. The stripped back piano ballad How Lucky Am I? was beautiful, with Michael and Danny angelic as they shared a mic for backing harmonies.
Homage was paid to Todd Rundgren with an uncanny cover of Couldn’t I Just Tell You. For a lesser outfit, it would be imitation. The Lemon Twigs had the talent and respect, to back it up. Another cover was added to the set in the form of John Prine’s rollicking Fish & Whistle, adding a touch more glam to the original.
Do Hollywood highlight As Long As We’re Together was every bit as rapturous as you’d imagine live. Ignore the occasional iPhone popping above the crowd, and it felt like a San Junipero style construct of 1974. Even rock royalty Molly Meldrum took a throne at the back of the bandroom.
Going above and beyond mere talent and style, The Lemon Twigs are the real deal. Everyone in the crowd did themselves a favour here.
Highlight: Finally being able to sing along to a live version of As Long As We’re Together.
Lowlight: The repertoire not facilitating a second or third encore. Maybe next trip.
Crowd favourite: “He’s buff!” There was a bit of crowd thirst for the shirtless Danny.
