It’s been a little over two and a half years since Citizen released their exceptional album “Life in Your Glass World,” solidifying their position as one of my all-time favorite bands. In that time, my admiration for Citizen has remained unwavering. From their iconic debut “Youth” to the grittier and heavier “Everybody is Going to Heaven,” and now with their upcoming album “Calling the Dogs,” their brand of emo-infused alternative rock has always resonated with me. Their songs are filled with emotion and care, often effortlessly blending accessibility with moments of pure pop brilliance. Moreover, while the entire band is immensely talented, Mat Kerekes’ vocals are undoubtedly a significant part of what makes Citizen so appealing.
Citizen kicks off their new album with a bang on the opening track, “Headtrip.” It perfectly encapsulates their distinctive sound and songwriting style. Both guitarists, Nick Hamm and Mason Mercer, intricately play off each other, creating infectious pop-infused riffs. Mat’s consistently catchy and emotionally charged vocals complete the picture. The bridge in “Headtrip” is a standout moment on the album, with Mat delivering a poignant line: “I wanna have a big headstone, yeah.” It’s a beautiful and regret-filled performance that resonates deeply.
However, the following track, “Can’t Take it Slow,” doesn’t quite hit the mark for me. It leans more towards rhythmic simplicity in both instrumental hooks and vocals. While it feels like a departure from their usual quality songwriting, I still find elements to appreciate, particularly the solid performances and the reverb-infused bridge riff that rekindles my interest towards the end.
Moving on, “Hyper Trophy” brings a surge of energy with a more aggressive approach. The bassline takes center stage, and Mat’s vocals adopt a hardcore cadence without screaming. While the verses may lose a bit of steam at times, the song picks up in the bridge, introducing playful synth elements that rejuvenate the track.
“If You’re Lonely,” released prior to the album’s announcement, was an excellent choice for a single. Clocking in at just over four minutes, it features a classic Citizen lead riff that’s both lively and peaceful. The infectious hook, “you will call me if you’re lonely,” has been stuck in my head since its release. Although there are moments when the repetition of this line feels excessive and pads the track’s length, the overall catchiness and sustained energy make it a worthwhile listen.
Next up is “Lay Low,” which draws on the same energetic source as “Hyper Trophy.” What sets it apart is the stellar chorus that exudes confidence and resolution, practically begging to be sung along with. The bridge takes a lighter instrumental approach, creating an intriguing contrast with the song’s heavier elements.
“Needs” immediately stands out with its intricate instrumental work, bordering on the progressive while still retaining Citizen’s signature sound. Mat delivers a fantastic topline with varying pitches and styles throughout the song, even though its meaning may not be entirely clear. “Bad Company” might just be the best track on the album, starting with a funky groove before ramping up both instrumentally and vocally for the chorus. It’s a top-tier performance all around.
“Options” is a short but significant entry on the album, offering a moment of instrumental respite reminiscent of classic Citizen tracks like “Blue Sunday” or “I Want to Kill You.” It’s one of my favorite songs on the record, thanks to its simplicity and the emotional punch delivered through Mat’s sincere lyrics as he sings, “I don’t want to be the second option anymore.” The instrumental section that follows amplifies the track’s strengths, with commendable drum work driving the song’s vibe.
Closing out the album is “Takes One to Know One,” a whimsical but brief track that feels somewhat tacked on when compared to the depth of “Options.” It’s under two minutes and didn’t initially impress me, but it has grown on me over time. Mat’s lyrics, such as “well I was made to be a grown man at 13 while you never missed a meal,” add depth to the song, even though it leans more toward a jam session.
Citizen, despite their experience, still feels underrated to me. They now boast a perfect record of five out of five with their full-length releases, and I can only hope “Calling the Dogs” brings them more well-deserved recognition and success. There are very few weak moments on this album, making it a compelling mix of emotion, catchy hooks, and impressive songwriting, as is characteristic of everything Citizen touches. Whether it’s the ethereal, vibey tracks like “Options” or the bass-heavy, intense ones like “Hyper Trophy” and “Dogs,” Citizen consistently delivers high-quality music.
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