Saturday, November 23, 2024

The Lemon Drop Gang - "Leave The World Behind"


The Lemon Drop Gang has been quickly rising up my list of favorite bands on the Rum Bar label —  and favorite bands, period! This band has it all: a talented & charismatic lead singer, a unique sound, serious musical chops, and incredible songs. Steph and Johnny O'Halloran, along with Danny Walker and Matt Rendon, really have something special going with their new single, "Leave The World Behind." It follows a couple of fantastic singles released last year. In typical Lemon Drop Gang fashion, both songs on this single manage to be both dark and totally intoxicating at the same time. That's the sweet spot (or perhaps bittersweet spot) for much of what I find appealing in this world. The title track adds some surf rock tones to the band's desert-tinged '60s garage vibes. It captures the angst and hopelessness of modern times and streamlines it all into a minute-and-a-half of perfect garage pop with a punk rock attitude. Steph turns in a great vocal, and Rendon's drumming makes it feel believable that the band just stepped out of a time machine from 1966. Johnny's guitar work, as always, is nothing short of mesmerizing. Could any song in 2024 be more relatable than this one? On the B-side, "Let the World Stay!" is punkier and delightfully bleak, propelled by Steph's urgent & inspired lead vocal. Both of these songs get the job done without any messing around — satisfying completely yet still leaving you wanting more. It goes without saying that this is one of the top singles of the year. And how amazing is that art work?

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