Citizen Bird

Unlike many of the sunny indie pop bands that came out of Sweden in the '90s (the Cardigans, Club 8, Komeda, et al.), Citizen Bird is firmly rooted in shadowy psychedelia. And throughout their self-titled record, the band draws from all of its best elements. There are strains of the noises explored by Spiritualized ("Glory"), the proto-punk of MC5 ("This Is the Place"), and the somber energy of the Doors ("Magnetic City"). The lyrics -- "Melody and a couple of chords/Just a simple thing and nothing more" -- from the driving "Joy" shouldn't be taken too literally, as the quintet is much more cerebral and complex than they let on. With the vocal delay, sonic guitar, and Hammond organ, this psychedelic outing from Citizen Bird flies away to a place where classic and modern rock meet amicably. One of the more intriguing records to come out of Sweden. ~ Kenyon Hopkin, All Music Guide