Brian D’Addario – Until the Morning

      Brian D’Addario has recently been an exceptionally productive songwriter. In case you didn't know, he forms one half of The Lemon Twigs, teamed with his brother Michael. This New York band has earned critical acclaim, which, at first glance, might seem a bit peculiar. They have always navigated a delicate balance between paying homage to classic ’60s songwriters and creating a pastiche of that era. Nevertheless, he and his brother craft music that resonates so perfectly that it's impossible to approach them with any cynicism.

      Just last May, The Lemon Twigs released their fifth album, ‘A Dream Is All We Know’, which drew on vibrant Beach Boys harmonies and the early experimental phase of The Beatles (think ‘Merseybeach’) for their most cohesive work yet. Therefore, one might anticipate that Brian's solo project signals a complete transformation and a chance to step away from his brother, right? Not necessarily.

      The singer-songwriter’s solo record, ‘Till the Morning’—the first independent release from the brothers' own Headstack Records—was actually co-produced with Michael. His brother contributes harmonies and co-leads several of the tracks as well. So, is this simply more of the same as The Lemon Twigs? It's quite similar, which isn't a negative thing at all. The album is joyous and intricately crafted, drawing from a blend of folk, baroque-pop, and vintage rock influences. The main distinction here is the sole focus on Brian.

      The title track opens the album in familiar territory. Lyrically, ‘Till the Morning’ uses love as a means of escaping life's burdens (“When I get off the train and I crawl in your bed / The past rolls away a lifetime of dread” confesses Michael in a Springsteen-esque fashion) and finds solace in upbeat yet wistful classic rock elements.

      In contrast, ‘Nothing On My Mind’, inspired by Brian's repeated listening to a Carter Family version of ‘Wildwood Flower’, brings a more dynamic tempo. It's a pure delight for the ears, blending ‘60s beat music with the singer’s emotionally conflicted lyrics. Lines like “My boss was kind—he treated me fine / But I hated him anyway” precede a chorus revealing an unexplainable sadness: “Oh there’s nothing on my mind / But I just can’t keep from cryin’”.

      ‘Till the Morning’ includes two collaborations with Stephen Kalinch, the LA poet known for his connection with the Beach Boys. These tracks stand out as some of the album’s finest. The first, ‘Song For Everyone’, features lovely guitar picking, charming lyrics, and Brian's pristine vocals that evoke peak springtime vibes.

      Kalinch also penned the lyrics for ‘What You Are Is Beautiful’, the ninth track, which is similarly minimalist and seasonal. The 83-year-old poet’s words are pure and heartfelt as Brian delivers them in falsetto (“Through your eyes of sadness I see richness beyond measure / More than any earthly treasure” he elegantly sings in the second verse).

      In a press release, Brian describes the album’s style as “country baroque,” which contributes to a welcome evolution. Notably, the slide guitars on ‘One Day I’m Coming’ and ‘This Summer’, the slowed piano on ‘Flash in the Pan’, and the Beatles-esque orchestrations on ‘Useless Tears’ introduce new elements to the singer-songwriter's repertoire.

      Overall, it’s a successful solo venture. Delightful and beautiful, ‘Till the Morning’ was released by Brian D’Addario as a way to share new music prior to the next Lemon Twigs album later this year. Rather than drastically changing direction, these nostalgia-infused songs provide a sense of comfort. It's an impressive effort that stands strong alongside his exceptional work with The Lemon Twigs.

      9/10

      Words: Matthew McLister