You Citizen – Mind On (2024)
The brainchild of singer-songwriter Bill McElnea, US-based You Citizen is an artist doing that self-described “electro-garage thing”. Rushing back to the 1980s grungy world of psychedelic electronic rock, You Citizen challenges the conventionalism of rock with an eclectic experimentalism. This is my introduction to You Citizen and I might be late to the party but better late than never. Turning heads internationally, McElnea reaches far beyond his US borders with features across Europe, South America and Australia. The latest addition to his repertoire is the single ‘Mind On’.
Heading on from his 2023 debut single ‘Wild’, You Citizen sauntered into 2024 with critically acclaimed tracks ‘Awe On Display’, ‘Too Bright’ and ‘I Want Details’. His next step into 2024 is the fifth single, ‘Mind On’. From my ears, or so it would seem, each track waivers around a specific rise of electro-rock reaching out in kaleidoscopic diversity but holding firm with simplistic control.
Unlike the synth-pop-driven sound of ‘I Want Details’, You Citizen adopts a brand of vintage alternative rock with electronic undertones in ‘Mind On’. I find this intriguing as there is a strong 80s flavour to ‘Mind On’ but with an interwoven leaning toward 90s-style rock. A sonic thread of silvery ribbon whispering along decades, time, space and generational appeal, McElnea has musical wizardry oozing from his fingertips.
Produced with engineer Joe Clapp, ‘Mind On’ blends bold drums with dynamic guitars, slips of keyboards and an interesting “woo hoo” in the back. While the single is soothing in harmonic unity, each instrument demands attention with prominent individuality. Soaring drums flush alongside the gripping guitar and powerful keys stand tall before the whispered “woo hoo”. Sophisticated and elegant but with raw prowess, You Citizen’s rough vocals sliver along finding the intricate line between ruggedness and calm.
Find out more about You Citizen on their Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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