Philadelphia based 3 piece band Lemon composes in an eclectic style borrowing from Folk-Pop-Rock music, combined with an Alt-Rock aesthetic. Their lyrics share a humor/self-deprecating sensibility. As a band they write of the mundane and the complex, and probably doesn’t understand everything but questions what they already know. This latest 2 track demo entitled Lemon Hill captures the spirit of more Popish material popular in the 70’s. I can even hear traces of Bon Jovi, Goo Goo Dolls and even Keith Urban. I can tell these cats are seasoned performers, and ahead of the release of a full length album this summer, Lemon Hill seems to be quickly making a name for themselves in the Independent Music ranks of Philly.
This latest short but sweet 2 track demo was released in 2014 and consists of 2 intriguing tracks. Track 1, “Love Arrives” which sets the stage well for a consistent and uplifting musical journey. With this demo, expect soul-stirring harmonies and at times electrifying and invigorating retro-rock style. Band consist of: Jake Dean ( bass) , Lou Graff (guitar), Domenic Malandro (lead vocals & sax). Graff and his band crafted a fierce and powerful rock album, combining elements of witty pop songwriting with the brashness of late 70’s an early 80’s alternative rock. Straight away it’s clear to me that the 2 tracks are an imaginative return to melancholy love-laced song writing fused with the better musical touches of today’s Alternative Rock, all with the eccentricity of a Singer/Songwriter. I must admit today’s music has many people feeling of bit of soullessness — how appropriate that I get a CD by a band like Lemon Hill that was a real shock to the system actually — in a good way. The album begins in hooky fashion with the magnificent “Love Arrives” but shows even more depth with bluesy-rocking “Medium Man” These 2 tracks are a brilliant exercise in self reflection laden with hooky vibes and an impressive vocal delivery from Malandro who also plays drums and Saxophone on the demo. The only surprise is that at-least 1 of these songs wasn’t groomed for heavy Radio airplay. “Medium Man” gets my vote. Both tracks are a pleasant journey through a Classic Rock passion play of this bands psyche. The harmonies beautify what could have even been Contemporary Modern Psychedelics if they were slightly dressed differently — like The White Stripes. ‘Either track could be featured on TV or Film, showcasing White and his band as a moving and grooving unit.
In the end a new budding band from Philadelphia is a real breath of fresh air compared to what’s out there right now. As I mentioned earlier this Lemon Hill 2 song demo is kind of a real shock to the everyday musical system presently in place. Of the whole album, 1 song is in the category of brilliant, 1 is good, and none skipped through in rotation. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Lemon Hill’s popularity continue to grow as it did in my own household during the week. Bring on more music!
Label: Independent Artist
Release Date (2014)
Locale: Philadelphia
Official URL: http://lemonhillmusic.com/
Rating: 3/5 Stars
REVERBNATION: http://www.reverbnation.com/lemonhill4
Clinton McCray edited by Heather Savage
Review comments — heathresavage5@gmail.com
