Lemonheads Relive 90s Energy in NYC

By Maeghan Prophete

Seeing The Lemonheads perform at Racket in NYC felt like being a part of their initial rise to punk fame. The venue itself is perfect for a band with a legacy rooted in the early 1990s, a time when alternative rock was carving out its cultural peak. The room buzzed with a mix of long-time fans and new listeners, all curious to hear how the band would bring their history and recent album, Love Chant, together onstage.

The night started with a gentle but captivating set from Tennessee folk singer Erin Rae. Her stripped, intimate performance stopped the crowd in its tracks. Rae’s soft, atmospheric sound carried pieces of her Southern environment, and her presence felt grounded and sincere. The connection between her and The Lemonheads became even clearer when she later joined them onstage for “Roky,” which was one of the evening’s most heartfelt moments.

When The Lemonheads took the stage, the energy instantly shifted. Their blend of pop, rock, and subtle country elements filled the space with an electric warmth. Frontman Evan Dando’s voice, worn in the most optimal way, carried the same emotional texture that defined their early work on songs like “Hate Your Friends,” “Deep End,” and “It’s a Shame About Ray,” and the band’s chemistry was clear from the first chord. 

Much of the set centered on Love Chant, with tracks such as “Confetti,” “In the Margin,” and “Rudderless,” which brought a fresh edge to the night. Still, the band nodded to their beginnings with older songs like “My Drug Buddy” and “The Great Big No,” drawing cheers of recognition. The contrast between the nostalgic tracks and the newer material created a sense of continuity that highlighted how the band has evolved while retaining its distinct sound.

By the end of the show, it was evident that The Lemonheads remain a band capable of blending history, melody, and feeling in a way that still resonates. Their performance was both a celebration of where they have been and a confident step into where they are going.

The newest Lemonheads record, Love Chant, is out now via Fire Records.