8/10

Every now and then a record appears that feels like a warm and embracing celebration. And with their latest offering 'Keep Shining', Amsterdam quartet Lemon deliver a rhythm-soaked collection of songs that pulse with joy, friendship, and a deep belief in the power of music to lift spirits when the world feels overwhelming.

Sonically, 'Keep Shining' thrives on groove and colour. The band blend swirling guitars, dance-ready rhythms, and soulful touches into a sound that nods toward the euphoric alternative dance scene of late-80s/early-90s Britain while pushing forward with a modern indie sensibility. It’s a collision of styles that feels simultaneously nostalgic and new, like a psychedelic shimmer meeting pop melodies, while funky basslines keep the songs firmly rooted in motion.

That rhythmic drive becomes one of the album’s defining strengths. Bongers’ bass playing anchors the record with thick, hypnotic grooves, while Paul Hesen’s drumming propels everything forward with infectious energy. Around them, guitars and keyboards weave bright textures that shimmer and expand, giving the songs a widescreen feel.

Two standout moments arrive in the form of 'Let It Out!' and 'Power'. The former bursts with carefree momentum, its playful rhythm and soaring chorus creating the kind of instant lift that turns casual listeners into enthusiastic dancers. The latter takes a more expansive route, building a sweeping atmosphere that balances introspection with uplift.

Recorded at Quark Studios in Amsterdam alongside producer Tim Egmond, much of the instrumentation was captured live in the room. And that decision gives the album an organic texture often missing from modern productions, allowing every element of the production to feel connected to the band’s collective energy.

'Keep Shining' is a love letter to music itself. It’s an album built on rhythm, genuine human connection, and proof that when a group of close friends plug in and chase the groove together, something truly electric can happen.