Brian D’Addario
Till The Morning
Headstack Records [2025]
“Nostalgic but not stuck—Till the Morning finds beauty in the in-between.”
Album Overview: Brian D’Addario is best known as one-half of the songwriting duo behind The Lemon Twigs, the band he formed with his younger brother Michael. Together, they’ve made their mark with retro-flavored records like Everything Harmony and A Dream Is All We Know, drawing from deep wells of pop, rock, and orchestral influences. With Till the Morning, Brian steps into the spotlight on his own for the first time—though the collaboration with his brother remains central. Released on their own Headstack Records imprint, this album feels more like a personal notebook that filled up gradually over time than a flashy solo debut. The songs—many written over several years—form a reflective, inward-looking collection that deals with emotional complexity, ethical questions, and personal growth. Though the album bears Brian’s name, Michael is ever-present, contributing production, performances, and vocals. At its core, Till the Morning values sincerity over separation, offering something quietly enduring rather than a dramatic departure from their past work.
Musical Style: The album weaves rustic Americana with rich, textured arrangements. Acoustic guitars and traditional songwriting form the foundation, while subtle quirks—like Moog synths, lo-fi tape textures, and layered harmonies—add character. The songs range from stripped-down folk ballads to more elaborate, stylized pieces. Even when nodding to the past, the pacing and production feel rooted in the present, giving the record a modern warmth without sounding overly nostalgic.
Evolution of Sound: Where The Lemon Twigs have often leaned into theatrical flair and genre-hopping pastiche, Till the Morning takes a more restrained, intimate approach. Brian uses space and atmosphere to spotlight his lyrics and melodies. There’s a homemade, unpolished charm to some tracks, offering a contrast to the duo’s more produced group efforts. This record marks a shift toward deeper personal storytelling and a more grounded sound.
Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of Gene Clark, The Everly Brothers, and Emitt Rhodes will find a familiar warmth here, while those who enjoy Andy Shauf, Kevin Morby, or Richard Swift may appreciate the blend of vulnerability and arrangement detail. There are also unmistakable echoes of late-era Beatles and early solo McCartney in the album’s gentle balancing act between melancholy and sweetness.
Pivotal Tracks: “Till the Morning” sets the tone with a calm, searching mood—an introspective opener that looks for clarity in chaos. “Song of Everyone,” co-written with Stephen Kalinich, offers lo-fi intimacy, like overhearing a moment in Brian’s living room. “Flash in the Pan” stands out for its guitar layering and subtle production flourishes. “Company” breaks from the album’s folk leanings with vintage piano pop and a breezy, upbeat feel that reflects on aging and loneliness. “Spirit Without a Home,” a tribute to a late uncle, closes the record with emotional restraint and a lasting melodic impression.
Lyrical Strength: Brian’s lyrics revolve around uncertainty, connection, and reflection. He avoids big declarations in favor of gentle, observant writing—tackling themes like grief, social disconnection, friendship, and memory. His work with Kalinich adds a poetic touch, while the solo lyrics lean into Brian’s own introspective voice. Nothing feels forced; instead, the songs slowly reveal their meaning through phrasing and tone.
Final Groove: Till the Morning doesn’t break new ground, but it doesn’t need to. Its strength lies in its quiet conviction and willingness to linger in subtle emotional spaces. While some listeners may crave more standout moments or bolder shifts, the album’s consistency and sincerity give it lasting appeal. It’s a modest but thoughtful solo step for Brian D’Addario—one that invites future exploration without severing ties to his past. Whether this marks a one-off detour or the start of a distinct creative path, Till the Morning suggests there’s more worth listening for just over the horizon.
THE LEMON TWIGS REVIEW HISTORY
A Dream Is All We Know (2024) / Everything Harmony (2023)
BRIAN D’ADDARIO LINKS
Instagram | Bandcamp | Headstack Records
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