Show Review: The Lemon Twigs Bring Theatrical Perfection to Mr. Small’s (with Mod Lang)

I’ve photographed thousands of bands, and only some have delivered a show as tight, theatrical, and wildly entertaining as The Lemon Twigs did at Mr. Small’s Theatre. From the first chord to the last, their set felt like a rock opera packed into a sweaty club—and I mean that in the best possible way.

🎭 A Lesson in Live Showmanship

There’s something truly magnetic about brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario. The energy between them is chaotic in the most intentional way—they’re expressive, precise, and utterly unpredictable. Their harmonies are flawless. Their guitar tones are soaked in glam-rock nostalgia. And their confidence? Through the roof.

This show felt more like a theater production than a traditional rock gig. And yet, it never felt pretentious or too polished. It was just... them.

🎶 Highlights From the Set

The setlist pulled from multiple albums, each song feeling like its own quirky short film. Standouts included:

• “Corner of My Eye” – so rich live, it gave me goosebumps

• “In My Head” – an absolute blast, vocally and visually

• “Live in Favor of Tomorrow” – felt like stepping into another decade

Their transitions were seamless. Their crowd interaction was subtle but clever. And by the final note, the entire room felt like we had witnessed something real.

🎧 Want a taste? Listen to The Lemon Twigs on Spotify

The Lemon Twigs owning every inch of the Mr. Small's stage. This shot says it all.

🔥 Let’s Talk About Mod Lang

I’d never seen Mod Lang live before this, but I’ll be keeping tabs on everything they do now.

They brought this beautiful balance of psych-rock meets indie melancholy—haunting vocals, rhythmic builds, and a tone that complimented the Lemon Twigs’ theatrical energy without trying to match it.

In short: Mod Lang is one to watch. Their set had depth, dynamic shifts, and a tightness that most opening acts only dream of.

Final Thoughts

This wasn’t just a good show. It was a reminder of why I do this—why live music still matters, why performance is an art form, and why some bands are simply built for the stage.

The Lemon Twigs gave Pittsburgh a night to remember. And Mod Lang? They set the tone beautifully.