Spanning from jangly power-pop immediacy to dreamier atmospherics, Somewhere Between Leaving is a full-length success by Norwich, England-based band Citizen Smith. Emphasizing raw analogue performances and memorable hooks, the record captures authentic human experience and a conceptual look at the passage of time.
Album track “Superman” is the epitome of a power-pop success, from the heartfelt, jangly guitar work to hooky lead vocals and backing harmonious reflections. Chirpy guitar resonance and steady rhythms drive into a stirring vocal introspection, musing about a Superman “who can’t fly anymore” while conveying a sincere yearning. “And you say that life should be grand, but you won’t take hold of my hand,” a melancholic vocal pushes forth, arriving into a jangly “you gotta love her with all your might” encouragement. Supremely melodic and replay-inducing, “Superman” is a fantastic display of Citizen Smith’s knack for compelling songwriting.
Another standout production, “See You Again” reminds fondly of Parklife-era Blur in its enthusiastic backing vocal elements and brassy exuberance, while the subsequent “Afterglow” achieves a murky art-rock intrigue with shades of King Krule. The latter, along with “Wine Bottles” and “Considered,” was recorded in a single take, enveloping in their rawness and spontaneous emotion. “Afterglow” stirs especially in its perspectives of the “afterglow of love” and realizations of things perhaps coming to an end, though trying to hold on. Melodic and full of emotion, Somewhere Between Leaving is a riveting full-length from Citizen Smith.
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“Superman” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
