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Next Big Thing?!: Lemon
The problem with making brilliant, laidback, psychedelic pop songs in the
Tekst: Theo Ploeg
Publicatiedatum: 25 juni 2002
WHO?
Three geeks, based in Amsterdam, addicted to groovy Britpop (or madchester, if you prefer). Lemon are Mark Bongers (bass), Paul Hesen (drums, vocals), Ralf Hesen (guitar, vocals). And yes, Paul and Ralf are brothers that fight as much as the Gallaghers. No wonder their friends call them "No-heses." Last year saw the (self-) release of their debut album Wallpaper, which in it's best moments sounds like the Happy Mondays and Stereo MC's. They just finished recording four, brand new songs. Aim: Using them to get a good record deal.
SO WHAT'S THE DEAL?
Even in kindergarten, the brothers Hesen were picking on each other. And Mark was always in-between. Need a better argument to start a band? In a dark past, they played in the local indie band The Perfect Match. After moving to Amsterdam, the name was changed to Lemon, which is slang for misfit. And misfits they still are. While the whole Dutch alternative music scene is dominated by nu metal, acoustic guitar pop, and power rock, Lemon sounds far from all that. Their typical, British laidback style isn't very popular in The Netherlands. But once you experience Lemon live, there is no holding back: Warm, deep, pop music that has the ability to lift the crowd to a higher level. Just like the Mondays did.
WHY ARE THEY SO GOOD?
Lemon is more then just the new Happy Mondays or Stereo MC's. Their mixture of laidback grooves, warm pop sound, and sparkling guitars also reminds one of the later Stones Roses' work, and in other moments, that of the pioneers the Kinks and the Byrds. But there is more. Humour, for instance. Lemon often mixes tiny references to other music in their songs. Like a Moby melody, a Mondays rhythm, or song titles like Unbelievable. Maybe to give their music a light touch, or to provoke. To show that melodic, groovy-sounding pop isn't the same as one-dimensional party music. And that is, perhaps, the most significant feature of Lemon's style. Just like British acts Cuba and Lo-Fidelity All Stars, they are able to mix guitar music with dance. Debut album Wallflower contained a bit too much guitar, but the four new songs lean more towards dance (though guitar music remains the dominant influence).
Result: Danceable, groovy music that has the quality to exorcise. Especially live.
WHAT HOLDS THE FUTURE?
They know, too. That is why Lemon captured their gig at Stairway To Heaven in Utrecht on video. They are carefully exposing the difference between Wallpaper and their live sound: that simply indefinable, glowing warmth that comes with their grooving hypnotic sound. The sound Lemon want for their second album. But they realise they need a good studio and a good producer. Both cost money. Next step is to persuade a record company to invest in their second album. Weapon for persuasion: a compilation of live recordings, complete with video. Because there is no better way to experience those three boys than live, onstage. Let's hope they succeed.
http://www.kindamuzik.net/toekomstmuziek/lemon/next-big-thing-lemon/1624/
Meer Lemon op KindaMuzik: http://www.kindamuzik.net/artiest/lemon
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