‘Only Fools Love Again’ by Lemon Twigs touring member Danny Ayala is a throwback to an era of music when songs, not production tricks, ruled the music industry.

Ayala teamed primarily with producer/guitarist Fernando Perdomo to put forth ten pop-rock songs that conjure the classic singer-songwriter era.

“I Was Wrong” kicks things off in fine fashion. Ayala’s voice is eager with a wide emotional range. The song, like all except for “ I Wanna Come Back To You,” was written solely by Ayala, and it has a Beach Boys/Around The World In A Day-Prince vibe. Ayala handles vintage-sounding organ, and piano, accompanied by Perdomo and Michael D’Addario on guitars, and Reza Matin on drums.

Ayala steers towards first-party narratives. As a result, “Something With You” continues the introspective look through in a more restrained tempo than the opening track. The piano-driven song gives Ayala even more of an opportunity to showcase his unique voice and harmonies. 

“I Don’t Like Her” smiles musically despite the cleverly dark lyrics. The tale of a lover missing a soul mate is as old as time, but the musical and lyrical combination in this song, which The Lemon Twigs produced, will have you tapping your foot while shaking your head. 

“The Ballad” is a masterclass in production by Perdomo and Ayala, though Ayala’s songwriting and arranging should not be overlooked. The song is wickedly coy in its storytelling, but not in a contrived way. The central theme of connection and love permeates the lyrics. Intricate harmonies and touches of viola assist in setting the stage, as do Ayala’s vintage keyboards. The song gives you more in 3 minutes than many modern pop songs can do in twice the length.

After an equally touching “The Village”, “Pluto” turns up the Heat. This rocker, which finds Perdomo on slashing electric guitars, Reza Martin on drums, and Ayala on everything else, is good, clean rock and roll fun. Ayala, stepping into the role of the former planet, Pluto, makes you feel its frustration at being rejected.

The album closer, “Smile For Me,” is in many ways a return to center. Lyrically, Ayala paints a cautiously optimistic picture, moving from the grays of winter to the more vibrant colors of spring. Ayala’s arrangement is direct and effective, with a joyous rhythm emanating from his bass work, electric piano, and drummer Rena Matin. Tight multitracked harmonies by Ayala, horn synths, and bright acoustic guitars by Perdomo make you see the rainbow at the end of a storm. 

What more could you want from good modern pop-rock, besides good songs, good playing, and good production? ‘Only Fools Love Again’ delivers on all counts.

The album is out now in all formats on Reminder Records.