don’t get lemon shares new record

Austin-based trio don’t get lemon has been steadily building a devoted following with their daring and original take on new wave music, drawing inspiration from iconic acts like Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and Talking Heads while infusing their sound with a modern twist. Formed by singer Austin Curtis, guitarist and keyboardist Nick Ross and Bryan Walters on bass, don’t get lemon creates music that’s been winning over listeners with its unique blend of synth pop and indie rock.

September 2019 saw the band make their entrance with the debut single “the crest of a wave” which they’ve since followed up with multiple well-received singles, EPs and full-length records while playing live alongside artists such as She Past Away, Choir Boy, Nuovo Testamento, Urban Heat, Anika, Riki, Glass Spells, Blushing, Rare DM and Dancing Plague.

The first album came with 2022’s Hyper Hollow Heaven and they now bring us their latest release with the brand new sophomore LP titled Have Some Shame. Recorded in rural Texas by Dan Duszynski and mastered by Paul Gold, the record embraces a warm and fiery take on coldwave music that don’t get lemon aptly dubs “Heatwave.” Released via à La Carte Records and Summer Darling Tapes, the nine-track release offer the perfect snapshot of the latest chapter in don’t get lemon’s thrilling musical story.

Title track “Have Some Shame” kicks things off with the soft taps of synth shots which tumble into place as the laid back strike of drums ushers in Austin’s rich vocal leads. Capturing echoes of British new wave music and filtering it through their own highly original sonic lens, elegant melodies drape over a colourful arrangement of shimmering synths and the gentle punch of drums which raises the energy in the chorus to craft an epic sound of memorable melodies and swaying rhythms.

The soft synth wubs and warm basslines on “Blow-Up” follows as the rattle of drums injects an uptempo energy. Austin’s vocals enter to spin engaging pop-focused melodies carrying picture painting lyricism as the vibrant instrumentation of jangly guitars and the array of synth layers results in a kaleidoscopic blend of textures capped by catchy writing throughout.

“Say Something New for Once” follows with its instant groove up pulsing bass notes, shuffling drums and plucked guitar tones as anthemic vocal leads stretch above to create a bold sound of bouncy rhythm and infectious melodic leads. Packed full of bright instrumental tones and chimes, and driven by an ever-present danceable energy, it’s a stellar slice of don’t get lemon’s knack for distilling their influences into something familiar and accessible while also offering something entirely new.

Other highlights on the record include songs like “Last Chance for Romance” with its lively flutter of synths and tapped percussive elements as graceful vocal leads hover above. Erupting with spirited drums and a delicate balance of guitars and synths, the track serves up the band’s timeless songwriting in a catchy indie pop outing that’s impossible not to love.

The album closes with “Pop Star Salvation” with its thick bass plucks and fuzzy drums being met with a call and response of airy synth lines and guitar twangs. Flowing with gentle vocal lines that stitch smooth melodies into the enveloping sonic fabric, soft vocal sample shots and zapping synth tones add constant shifts to the song, providing a superb final moment on the band’s impeccable sophomore full-length record. Celebrating the album’s release, the band is set to embark on a two week tour of the Midwest with fellow label artists Holy Wire this summer.

Listen to Have Some Shame below