Citizen break down their introspective new album, Calling the Dogs
Alternative Press teamed up with Citizen for an exclusive blue and red swirl vinyl variant of Calling the Dogs, limited to 400 copies. Head to the AP Shop to snag yours.
Ever since their debut record, Youth, fans have come of age alongside Citizen’s raucous, open-hearted rock. On their fifth studio album, Calling the Dogs, however, the band sound reenergized, leaning into the cathartic, guitar-driven music that they do best and peeling away expectations of what they should sound like. Produced by Rob Schnapf, the album marks their first time working with a producer in six years, as well as their initial outing writing with their newest members, Mason Mercer and Ben Russin. From the fast-moving “Hyper Trophy” to the catchy garage rock of “When I Let You Down,” Citizen are clearly still having a blast writing tunes together. Through it all, Calling the Dogs remains poignant from start to finish as the band take time to reflect on their own growth and resilience.
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“Calling the Dogs is a record that doesn’t take itself too seriously,” vocalist Mat Kerekes tells AP. “I feel like people have these expectations of Citizen of what we should and what we shouldn’t sound like. We can do what we want, and it doesn’t really matter.”
The band’s world tour in support of Calling the Dogs launches later this month in Indianapolis on Oct. 18. They’ll also make a stop in Las Vegas to play When We Were Young Festival on Oct. 21. In February, Citizen will head overseas for a U.K./EU run.
In honor of its release, Kerekes gave us a complete breakdown of their latest album, which you can watch below.
