Photo Credit: @melinecholy
Now that their fifth album ‘Calling the Dogs’ has been released, CITIZEN travelled across the pond to perform live renditions of these songs for their devoted fan base in addition to a number of other hits. This tour was double the commemoration of the band’s breakthrough album ‘Youth’, which also marked its tenth anniversary last year.
Since their UK debut in 2014, New York post-hardcore band DRUG CHURCH have solidified their status as a favourite in the across the pond. The band has been part of some of the greatest line-ups the UK has ever had, pulling in large attendances to events like Outbreak and Slam Dunk, and maintaining the tradition with at this sold-out gig in Leeds. They had a 45-minute set to work with, and they made the most of it by delivering the usual high energy performance. Opening with ‘Grubby’, the crowd began to expand as a mosh pit formed in the centre of the room. The energy remained constant throughout their performance. The crowd roared as the final song ‘Weed Pin’ began, as both the band and audience released their final ounce of energy they had left in them. It was evident that not only were many of DRUG CHURCH’s fans were present, but a large number of new ones were also drawn in too.
There was a lot of excitement in the room because it had been more than five years since the Ohio band had played a run of headline dates in the UK. The quintet wasted no time kicking off the show as they hit the stage with ‘Hyper Trophy’, a song from their most recent album, and then immediately launched into ‘Jet’ a favourite amongst many that brought the house down with its more impactful live sound.
The Yorkshire punters matched the intensity of Mat Kerekes’ voice for ‘If You’re Lonely’ and this continued with two of their most adored tracks, ‘The Summer’ and ‘How Does It Feel?’ both of which remain eagerly awaited selections for all CITIZEN concerts.
Thanking the Leeds audience for selling out the event, Mat expressed that they always look forward to returning to the city while visiting the UK. Naturally, this was well received, and gave CITIZEN a breather before pushing forward with the show. Pushing forward with their moving rendition of ‘The Night I Drove Alone’, the entire room joined in to sing along as a sea of torches illuminated the room. Fans of the ‘Youth’ record were kept entertained with the addition of ‘Sleep’ making its way on to the set list too.
The band concluded their headline display with the energetic ‘Death Dance Approximately’ and made their way back to the dressing rooms. Shortly after, they returned to the stage to end the night once and for all with the brilliant ‘I Want to Kill You’, with the whole room applauded yet another stand out performance.
The demand for CITIZEN continues to grow after each tour. They successfully sold out all four dates on this run, giving them yet another boundary to push upon their next visit.
Taped Magazine 