Analogue Guitars and Retro Pop: The Lemon Twigs in Rome

By Alyssa | WhatsOn music and nightlife writer Alyssa tracks the gigs, festivals, club nights and late-late plans worth leaving the house for.

The D’Addario brothers are bringing their unapologetically analogue, harmonically dense brand of rock and roll to Rome, and it’s exactly the kind of sweat-drenched Saturday night gig the city’s indie scene lives for. The Lemon Twigs have spent the last few years perfecting a retro-pop sound that feels both ripped straight from a 1970s California recording studio and entirely vital for today. This is the prime ticket for anyone who worships at the altar of pristine vocal harmonies, flamboyant guitar work, and a chaotic, joyful live energy that simply cannot be faked on a laptop.

Vintage Swagger and 12-String Anthems

Forget backing tracks and sanitised sets. A Lemon Twigs gig is a masterclass in pure, unadulterated musicianship, where Brian and Michael D'Addario swap instruments, trade falsettos, and channel the golden era of power pop. Expect the room to be a sea of vintage denim and leather jackets, vibrating with the sheer force of their guitar-driven anthems. You’ll hear shimmering 12-string acoustic ballads seamlessly bleed into glam-rock stompers, punctuated by high kicks, stage leaps, and the kind of chaotic sibling synergy you usually only read about in rock biographies. The industrial-chic confines of the venue provide the perfect gritty contrast to the band's impeccably polished pop melodies, creating a soundclash that bounces brilliantly off the concrete walls.

Rome’s Alternative Weekend Tribe

This side of town has long been the spiritual home for Rome’s alternative crowd, and a massive weekend headline slot pulls in everyone from local musicians studying the D'Addarios' chord progressions to die-hard classic rock devotees chasing that authentic 70s high. The outdoor courtyard before the gig becomes a buzzing hub of anticipation, thick with cigarette smoke and heated debates over the band's best album deep-cuts. It’s a beautifully mixed crowd united by a total rejection of the mainstream pop formula. By the time the lights go down and the crowd surges forward to catch the first riff, the communal energy in the room hits fever pitch, creating that rare, unified euphoria you only get in a properly packed-out, mid-sized music hall.

Know Before You Go

• Arrive early to claim your spot: The main hall has a brilliant atmosphere, but the floor fills up fast for weekend headliners. Get in early if you want to be near the front.
• Courtyard hangs: The venue boasts a sprawling outdoor space perfect for pre-gig beers and grabbing a quick bite from the food stalls before heading inside.
• Public transport check: The Prenestino area is well-connected, but late-night trams can be sporadic. Have a taxi app ready or map out your bus route for the journey home.
• Ticket hustle: Saturday night indie gigs here have a habit of selling out in the final weeks. Do not rely on getting a ticket at the door.

Make a Weekend of It

A Saturday gig gives you the perfect excuse to spend the daytime soaking up the city before heading east for the music. If you're spending the afternoon in the historic centre, start with a late lunch at Trentaquattro Roma - Largo Argentina, a relaxed, welcoming spot serving traditional Roman dishes like perfect saltimbocca that feels authentically local. For legendary handmade pasta right in the heart of Rome, Osteria da Fortunata - Pantheon is an absolute must-visit. For something faster while you're record shopping or exploring the streets, grab an incredible mini pizza at Amerina La Pizzetta near Campo de' Fiori—it’s high-quality, affordable fuel that won't slow you down. If you're craving quick pasta to go, Pastasciutta offers brilliant fresh dishes in minutes. Want to set the mood with pre-gig drinks? Head to Camillo - a Piazza Navona dal 1890 for excellent coffee and cocktails on a charming plaza terrace before you catch your ride out to the venue for the night.

Catch you down the front for the encore. — Alyssa