The Lemonheads

The Lemonheads is a neat band that has been around since the birth of alternative rock. Although breaking up in 1997, they eventually re formed in 2005, which would lead to this eagerly awaited album. Dinosaur Jr, perhaps the more successful noise rock/alternative rock band are good friends with the Lemonheads and J Mascis the Dinosaur Jr. lead singer/guitarist even features on “No Backbone” and “Steve’s Boy.”

The album kicks off with a mellow piano tune then; squeals of feedback, Karl Alvarez’s bass, and Bill Stevenson’s drums hammer in and announce the new album’s arrival. In truth, it’s not an album highlight, but at 1:16 comes the first genuinely excellent “moment,” where the music drops out, and Evan delivers a fantastic set of lyrics – “If it ain’t fixed, don’t break it.” And little over two minutes into the album, it’s time for track two… “Become The Enemy” is the single. Not the catchiest single and is unlikely to bring the Lemonheads to mass success, but after a few listens it does grow on you. However it’s not a song the music industry will have much time for unfortunately.

For me “Rule Of Three” is one of the highlights of the album. With stop-starts, hand claps and echoing “Wooo-ooohs” there is a particular charm about this song. It ends oddly, two random chords that make it sound like they didn’t quite know how to finish the track, but that just adds to the charm. “Steve’s Boy” is another indication of Evan’s superb lyricist skills: “Hello it’s me – your son again/I’ll let myself in.” Overall the songs are full of melodies and great lyrics but lack a certain “umph” in some.

Production of the album is hard to describe. Maybe it would be better putting vocals further back in the mix and bring out the fantastic guitar playing. However, when the songs are so good it doesn’t matter. Clearly Evan is a talented songwriter and although not a commercial success, this comeback album is brilliant. Beneath the thick distortion there are great melodies, which get you listening again and again, and overall I would recommend this album to any alternative rock/noise rock fan.

The Lemonhead’s are back, hopefully to stay, as I’m sure they can build on this album. It was set to be a classic comeback and although it hasn’t lived up to expectations, there are hints that Evan has enough in him to produce an album as good as “Come On Feel” again. 8/10!  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. Black Gown
02. Become The Enemy
03. Pittsburgh
04. Let’s Just Laugh
05. Poughkeepsie
06. Rule Of Three
07. No Backbone
08. Baby’s Home
09. In Passing
10. Steve’s Boy
11. December

Run Time: 34:31