Citizen/Turnover Split

Citizen and Turnover recently signed to Run For Cover Records as they were about to release this split, so RFC put it out. It was the most pre-ordered record RFC ever had, so if you haven’t listened to it, you probably now have high expectations. I myself was one of the many that pre-ordered it and so, after receiving my pre-order download instantly, it has been on repeat for the last week or so. Having never listened to Citizen before, I was only really anticipating the Turnover side of the split, but came away with love for both bands, and googled Citizen’s entire back catalogue to delve deeper into their sound.

The first two tracks on the 7” are Citizen’s. Drown is my favourite song on the split, with the instant guitar tone and drum medley resembling a Daylight feel, but more crisp and clear, rather than sloppy complicated chords – and with vocals that are actually understandable, rather than lazy and weak. The song doesn’t really verge away from the initial chord progression, and there’s nothing wrong with that- It gives the song that head-bopping feel and works very very well.  I’m Sick Of Waiting however, was a bit of a let-down. It sounds a bit strange and, with varying levels of volume and mass, seemed too much of a contrast Drown. It isn’t a bad song, exactly, but I personally wouldn’t have picked it for the split.

Turnover’s side now, and as I am already a strong fan of their Self Titled I had high hopes, and they were not crushed. It sounds just like old Turnover, but  the increased production quality gives you the feel that this band is maturing, and don’t plan on stopping. Permanent is a well-structured song, with a nice long instrumental intro which then picks up in pace, flowing nicely into the vocal part of the song. The lyrics of both songs are typical of Turnover – singing about seasons changing and breaking up with girls. But the song keeps getting better, by leading into a final chorus, which will be impossible to not sign along to. No Sun doesn’t vary that much from Permanent, it’s just Turnover writing catchy pop-punk songs. Two very good ones for that matter.

I highly recommend you listen to both sides, and then their back catalogue (Citizen’s Young States & Turnover’s Self Titled) as these, I feel, are a much better display of what these bands can really do.

The split is still available to be pre-ordered, and is released May 5^th through Run For Cover Records

Miles xo