Bands like Citizen exist in a fascinating middle ground. Their heavier roots pushed them to the forefront of cultural consciousness, especially in their breakout record, Youth. Punchy choruses and emotionally deep lyrical dives accumulated a driven cult following. The group’s upcoming sixth studio album, Halcyon Blues, out Aug 7 via Run For Cover Records, balances high-stakes sounds with indie sensibilities. Guitarist Nick Hamm suggests that “everything makes sense in a new way, and that’s ultimately a great thing.”
Hamm’s recent performance at the Vans Warped Tour Washington D.C. stop incited reflection. The touring festival played a pivotal role in Citizen’s story; many bands saw success on its warm asphalt. Today, a blended crowd mirrors alternative music’s overall trajectory. While Citizen’s staple breakdowns are career hallmarks, the modern landscape allows for fresh takes on classic elements. At this stage, Citizen works together to curate records that meet both the band and their audience where they’re at.
“Everything is a reflection of the time and place we’re in,” he agrees. “It’s this continuous conversation that’s extended over our second decade. I really appreciate everyone recognizing the range of Citizen.”
The first two singles from Halcyon Blues certainly speak to the group’s range. The record’s title track introduces newer indie sounds, like dreamy escapist reverb. Still, it recognizably follows Citizen’s pattern of self-awareness and emotional depth. “Highs and Lows” articulates these techniques too, but it offers a cathartic sonic build. Citizen’s overall mission statement is presented rather plainly: “If you’re talking it, then you better live it.”
For Hamm, this thesis encourages creative growth. He “gravitates towards artists who might not know the rules as much, so they don’t play by the rules. They accidentally fall into these styles because they don’t know anything else.” However, he’s not implying ignorance in a flattening sense. Instead, he believes that leaving certain things up for interpretation gives room for experimentation. As a result, Citizen’s consistent soundscapes haven’t fallen stagnant. He feels that this has also extended into the group’s creative process. They refuse to keep score and prefer allowing everyone their moment to take charge.
“It’s good for everyone not to have an ego when it comes to that. When you’re in a band for so long, you learn to maneuver it a little better than when you first started, and you feel insecure. You stop thinking like, ‘oh, this person is writing too many songs, and I’m not writing enough songs,” Hamm explains.
Consequently, the band has established a creative process that employs simultaneous conception. In many cases, lyrics and music arrive at once; they aren’t waiting for one person to formulate an idea. Hamm suggests that it’s most productive when vocalist Mat Kerekes approaches him with something even loosely established. Halcyon Blues diverts from Citizen’s usual summery sound, with this process largely to thank for their constant growth. Hamm has been “listening to the record a lot when driving at night.”
Hamm acknowledges that the length of time the band has spent together has provided a unique set of challenges throughout each record cycle. However, their internal chemistry could only be bought by long hours of traveling together or days spent in the studio. He says that while they’ve “had their ups and downs,” they’ve also “recognized that (they’re) very lucky to still be doing this after so long.” He is “definitely happy that (we’ve) made it work and made it through some tough times.”
Citizen’s perseverance has influenced the upcoming generation of alternative music. As algorithmic tastes expand and restrict, Hamm acknowledges the blessings beyond social media’s curses. He believes that the internet age has granted them an entirely new audience, one that respects their off-the-wall choices. Losing rigidity within alternative culture allows for communities to flourish, an aspect of the art that Hamm cares deeply about. He “has a lot of trust in (his( fans.” This mutual trust ensures success for both Citizen and their collaborators as they cross paths over time.
The band’s upcoming tour with Anxious acts as a nice bridge between alternative eras. Citizen’s stance at the intersection opens opportunities for the up-and-comers who are joining them on the road. Anxious employs a similar tenacity that Citizen did in their earliest years. They also blend heavier sonic elements with indie rock’s flowy, summery atmosphere. It’s a match made in heaven; legacy artists taking newer ones on the road keeps the scene evergreen.
He puts a similar trust in those closest to him, too. Hamm likes to get recommendations from friends and family on everything from music to clothing to food. He believes that they “put (him) onto the best stuff.” As Hamm continually allows himself to be surprised in life, the band thrives. He loves to “re-envision some of the songs” from their initial demo recording. In Halcyon Blues, Hamm’s reinterpretations became pivotal to the final body of work.
Throughout the record, the band explores the same emotional depth that established their growth. Today’s climate can be heavy to deal with; art is both a form of escapism and a source of solidarity. Citizen’s upcoming LP suggests that, at least to Hamm, there is “something other than what we’re drowning in every day.”
Halcyon Blues is out Friday, and you can preorder it from Run for Cover Records. Follow Citizen on Instagram and Twitter for future updates.
Photo Credit: Kyle Bergfors
