Citizen9 is an alternative rock band based on the west coast of Scotland. A couple years back I reviewed their release The Flood EP. They are back and better than ever with their first full length entitled Pelagic.
The band rocks hard with this release. They have a wide range of sub-genres under rock. There were moments I was thinking Tool and other moments where I was thinking Led Zeppelin. More often than that however I was thinking “this rocks” and the band is really coming into their own. They start with “Sentinel” and if you are familiar with a band like Tool or Perfect Circle the beginning has that same sort of dark atmosphere. The drums build and build and soon enough they burst and they find their first groove. You can hear what I’m talking about when I referenced Led Zeppelin. That bass line evokes John Paul Jones and the lead guitar as well sounds similar to Jimmy Page. I loved the combination of styles on this song. The band has some more success with “Nimbus” which is more focused on contemporary hard rock. I did like the prog style break down the band pulls off. Some of my favorite vocal melodies were on “Inertia” which is sung against an atmospheric soundscape. The band does go into their more signature sound of distorted guitars but I appreciated that transition. “Winter Comes” is on point and a highlight to my ears. The vocals soar here and I was digging the picking guitar pattern. “Last Stand” features some very inventive soundscapes. There is this impressive prog rock type of pattern before the band decides to rock out a bit more. “Lower Midnight” is the centerpiece and is around seven-and-a -half minutes long. This song is sort of old school and reminded me more of bands like Metallica and Black Sabbath. It seemed like a good song to rock out for Halloween. They continue with the high energy “Fall” and “Candidate” which both have their own respective tones and textures. Last up is “Monolith” which also kind of backs into Black Sabbath territory. Citizen9’s latest release is proof the band has been working hard at their craft. I love it when I hear this. Recommended.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Critique/insightWe are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.
Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook
Archives
May 2024
|