Described as ‘One of the most distinctive voices of the‘90s”’ (The New York Times), American alternative rock band The Lemonheads formed in 1986 by Evan Dando have finished their first album in nearly two decades ‘Love Chant’ releasing in October 2025.
The Lemonheads have now announced a headline Cyprus Avenue, Cork show for 21st August 2025 as part of their ‘Come on Feel The Deep End’ tour.
Formed in Boston in 1986, The Lemonheads continue to rotate around the inimitable Evan; eclectic music fan, writer of infectious power pop, and renowned trouble maker.
The album ‘Hate Your Friends’ arrived in 1987, “Frantic, fitfully exciting with occasional moments of brilliance,” reckoned The Line Of Best Fit, while the following year’s ‘Creator’ was hailed in the NME as “some American box-bedroom rebel equivalents to The Smiths.” ‘Lick’ (1989) completed the monochrome edition of the band and features a patchwork of fresh recordings of old B-sides, covers and a few new songs. “For a plate of reheated leftovers this is pretty tasty.” The Line Of Best Fit.
Atlantic snapped up The Lemonheads in the flurry of activity that surrounded the arrival of grunge and, “after three “ramshackle punk” (Select) albums, they released “a treasure of an LP.” NME in ‘Lovey’, followed in 1992 by the breakthrough platter ‘It’s A Shame About Ray’ with the crossover single ‘Mrs Robinson’ that catapulted Evan into the pages of Interview, Sassy and People magazines.
“This was a band that deftly matched pop sensibility with grunge directness.” BBC
‘Come On Feel The Lemonheads’ followed in 1993. “Too happy, not quite dark enough in
some ways,” Evan concluded. That said, ‘Into Your Arms’ lengthy stay on the Billboard chart, ‘Big Gay Heart’ and ‘It’s About Time’ ensured that the Dando songwriting legacy was intact.
“The Lemonheads have always been recognised as purveyors of grade-A pop-punk” Record
Collector.
Three years on ‘Car Button Cloth’ (1996) resumed interest with another eclectic mix of
songs that was justly heralded: “In the tuneless climate of sub-Cobain mediocrity that is alternative rock, it's great to have Dando back.” Rolling Stone
Then came the wilderness years, a hiatus as such. A period that was broken with Evan
touring solo and the release of his excellent album ‘Baby I’m Bored’ (2002, expanded in 2017), proof positive that his knack for melody hadn’t faltered.
“Dando's most consistent, thoroughly enjoyable work since The Lemonheads' 1992 jewel ‘It's a Shame About Ray’.”
Then, there was the lost indie gem ‘Lemonheads’ in 2006. The band were back together
with “A rare gift that should be handled with care.” Andy Gill, The Independent
Throughout The Lemonheads’ career, Evan Dando’s esoteric pick of songs to cover has
dusted off some real gems, the ultimate singalong playlist which manifested itself on a couple of albums, most recently ‘Varshons II’ (2018), “a love letter to the breadth and talent of rock music, but also to Dando’s sizeable melodic gifts.” Louder Than War
Evan Dando and The Lemonheads’ arcane adventure continues with ‘Love Chant’ set for
release later this year, with European shows set for the autumn. Sparring with guest
guitarists J Mascis from Dinosaur Jr and The Bevis Frond’s Nick Saloman, Evan the
songwriter remains gloriously astute. The voice is lower and more brooding but the mood is pin prick sharp and the social commentary as barbed as ever.
“Few bands have been able to walk the line between the angst of grunge and the warmth of folk quite as elegantly as The Lemonheads." Rolling Stone
“The Lemonheads ability to merge punk rock’s energetic simplicity with lush, melodic hooks is both timeless and influential." Pitchfork
“One of alt-rock’s most charming groups” The Guardian
“The Lemonheads delivered perfect pop nuggets with an irresistible, easy-going charm that remains just as potent today” NME