Lemon Drop Hammer
Secret Monkey Weekend, 2025
8/10
A family band consisting of Jefferson Hart and his stepdaughters, Ella and Lila-Brown Hart, as Secret Monkey Weekend the North Carolina residents bring harmonies to 10 power-pop tunes.
The fluid guitar and Lila’s punchy drums open the listen with “So Much Joy”, where both Jefferson and the girls provide singing alongside Peter Holsapple’s well timed organ, and “Na Nanana” follows with a warm jangle that welcomes Brian Yamamoto’s detailed electric guitar.
The middle track belongs to “Things You Threw Away”, which showcases Don Dixon’s well timed trombone amid the retro-rock ideas, while “Lemon Drop Hammer” is a quick and frisky album highlight that makes great use of Ella’s bass and no lack of melodies.
Residing close to the end, “Way Way Out” uses a buzzing climate and crisp drumming alongside the meticulous guitar via the garage rock spirit, and “Mimi” exits with both grit and harmonics present in a flowing and precise finish.
Influences from the Beatles, The Kinks or Squeeze won’t be hard to spot, as the family outfit bring a youthfulness and nostalgia to their brand of rock that will certainly age well.
Travels well with: Tim Easton- Find Your Way; Adrian Sutherland- Precious Diamonds