*Published by Atwood Magazine on Jan. 4, 2023
Done with the game of heartbreak, The Lemon Twigs release their newest single, “Corner of My Eye”; ringing in the new year with this radiant confession of burgeoning love.
The Lemon Twigs don’t believe in love at first sight — but love at second sight? That’s a whole different story.
The two brothers, Brian and Michael D’Addario have played under the catchy moniker of The Lemon Twigs since 2015, releasing three albums and an EP since then, each of which have garnered an abundance of praise from critics for their warm, nostalgic sound. And while well-intentioned, various comparisons to artists of the past do this Long Island-based duo an injustice, eclipsing the pure artistic innovation of their discography. Indeed, the release of the band’s newest single, “Corner of My Eye,” on January 3, 2023 via Captured Tracks, demonstrates just how much prowess the two have over their ever-changing sound.
Principally written by Brian, this acoustic folk-ballad infused with a Spanish melodic flair nurtures the stirrings of hope that come hand in hand with a new love. And while the song might be new to some, it quickly became a staple for those who heard its debut during one of Brian’s acoustic solo sets in 2018. Since then, the brothers have gigged on the tune, teasing (or torturing, as some would say) audience members as they introduced the song by disclaiming, “it hasn’t been released yet,” before launching into the confessional melody.
I’ve got a wonderful feeling That’s ripe for being wrong Lately the Lord’s got me kneeling It’s been hard to get along
But when I’ve got you in the corner of my eye All my moments are the same when day or night I saw you twice before Now I really wanna see you more
Dwelling on the possibility of a budding romance after just two encounters with this special someone — out of the corner of an eye at that — the D’Addarios push all chances of heartbreak aside, taking a gamble and diving head-first into devotion.
As lovely as it is heart-wrenching, in its deepest essence, “Corner of My Eye” is a sincere admission of a soul-encompassing love. Any notion of the independent self takes a back seat as Brian sings, “I’ve got a wonderful feeling / That’s ripe for being wrong / Lately the Lord’s got me kneeling / It’s been hard to get along.” The presence of this beloved person is so distracting that there is no other alternative than to confront it — without this love, life is incomplete. Brian asks: “How much loneliness can a man take / Until he tries to take the reins” — practically asking, ‘can you really blame me for loving you?’
I played the game of heartbreak The emptiness remains But how much loneliness can a man take ‘Til he tries to take the reins?
But when I’ve got you in the corner of my eye All my moments are the same when day or night I saw you twice before Now I really wanna see you more
And while a high-stakes confession such as this might strike fear into the hearts of even the most confident of people, any trepidation over making this proclamation of love has been replaced by unabashed passion and reverence for this special someone. Even if this encounter might end in heartbreak, the brothers are unafraid of the consequences if it means that they’ll be able to love — even if just for a little bit of time.
This notion of throwing this caution to the wind comes expressed within the bridge, as Brian gently sings, “I know that I won’t forget you / May not be wise / I might regret you,” before declaring over a symphony of sweet vibraphone modulations, “But when I’ve got you in the corner of my eye / All my moments are the same when day or night / I saw you twice before / Now I really wanna see you more.”
I know that I won’t forget you May not be wise I might regret you
But when I’ve got you in the corner of my eye All my moments are the same when day or night I saw you twice before Now I really wanna see you more
The stark authenticity and sincerity infused within this track is no doubt the reason behind its already-assumed status as a fan-favorite.
Vulnerability runs rampant in the track’s runtime of little over three minutes; this devout adoration being altogether liberating to express. Some might call it sappy — but I simply call it love. Brian has laid his soul bare within the gorgeous melody; his adept songwriting skills making the track one of the band’s tightest releases yet.
With a hazy, vintage-tinged music video accompanying the single’s release (directed by Hilla Eden and Brian, and edited by Eva Chambers and Michael D’Addario), one can see that The Lemon Twigs’ artistic vision has only been getting sharper as the years have gone by. In said video, the brothers roam through New York City’s verdant Green-Wood Cemetery, with guitar, bass, and vibraphone in tow. While it certainly contrasts from the sentimental ditty, the melancholic setting perhaps acts as a memento mori of sorts, pointing out how the two would be remiss to not reach toward love when considering the fleeting nature of life.
And while life might indeed be quickly apace, the D’Addarios have provided listeners with plenty of time to wind down, with “Corner of My Eye” serving as the peaceful soundtrack. The Lemon Twigs have officially entered a new era; propelled by the power of love, taking chances, and exquisite songwriting.
