Much has been made of the way the Lemon Twigs wear their over-the-top '70s pop influences on their polyester sleeves—but with the band's third album, the brothers D'Addario show they are so much more than some novelty tribute act. Yes, opener "Hell on Wheels" mashes Jim Steinman histrionics with ELO's sweeping strings, but Michael D'Addario's purposely un-pretty vocals—more Dylan than Meat Loaf—rough things up in the most captivating way. Credit the siblings' equal love of music produced at pop heaven Abbey Road and NYC's grittier Record Plant and Electric Lady studios (where the Twigs recorded some of Songs for the General Public). The theatrical "Moon" is dashed with Lou Reed gutter growl; for a total curveball, the band has said the song is inspired by surly teen rapper Bhad Bhabie—not her music, but her DGAF attitude. "Hog" rolls out with Hollies majesty, then unfurls into a Zappa snarl. It also helps underscore the album's apparent message: Love sucks. "You once were an angel full of glitter, now of shit," go the opening verses. "Fight" applies sassy New York Dolls horns and female backing vocals to buttress the lyrics "Baby why, why don't we have sex anymore/ Probably 'cause I'm always stuck picking your old socks up off the floor." Every once in a while, the brothers—who were Broadway babies, performing in shows such as Les Miserables while growing up in NYC suburbs—take things too far, like on the hammy carousel-pop of "Why Do Lovers Own Each Other." But there are so many moments that make up for it, including the fabulously Jeff Lynne-esque "No One Holds You (Closer Than the One You Haven't Met)" and twisted Versailles chamber pop of "Somebody Loving You," performed in a silky-sheets falsetto. And sugar-sweet first single "The One" is pretty close to pop perfection. © Shelly Ridenour/Qobuz