Citizen

Citizen have always been determined to follow their own path, taking creative risks and challenging expectations at every turn. It’s all led to Halcyon Blues, a dynamic, confident release that draws on nearly two decades of musical and personal growth to emphatically declare what their dedicated fans already know: Citizen are one of our great modern rock bands–and they’re at the absolute top of their game.

17 years into an impressive career, Citizen still feel like underdogs who have never quite fit in. The band have had an unlikely rise from a group of Toledo high schoolers to long-running headliners capable of selling out shows around the world, and they got there through persistent sonic evolution. Over the years they’ve moved deftly through raw emo, menacing post-hardcore, anthemic alternative, garage-y indie pop, and so much more, now Halcyon Blues combines elements from throughout their entire catalog together into a singular and instantly satisfying record that just sounds like Citizen.

Joining them on every date are Drug Church. For the past few years, the Albany and Los Angeles-based five-piece have been staunchly creating their own singular path in making distinctly outsider music that’s somehow at once welcoming and instantly satisfying. The band’s songs revel in sonic contradictions, seamlessly combining crushing aggression with bulletproof hooks, while the lyrics unflinchingly explore life’s darkness and discomfort with sardonic wit—and without judgement. Their last Australian visit came in 2023 for intimate Melbourne and Sydney shows, this time, they return for a full national run and first-time appearances in new cities.

New album, Halcyon Blues, will be available Friday 7 August via Run For Cover/Civilians.