In many ways, it could all have gone very wrong for London-based disco punk popsters Citizens! Not only are they currently dealing with the expectations created by the fact that Franz Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos insisted on producing Here We Are after just one listen to their first demo, but they’re also releasing their debut on trendy French label, and home of the current kings of indie Two Door Cinema Club, Kitsuné Records. You could say that the vultures have been waiting for a fall...
Thankfully this pressure seems to have spurred them to create one of the best, most unflinchingly indie albums of the past six months. Opening with the hook-laden salvo of ‘True Romance’ and ‘Reptile,’ Here We Are rarely fucks around when it comes to hitting us with catchy choruses and arse-wiggling rhythms. ‘Nobody’s Fool’ is a standout, thanks to its calypso-tinged guitars and Hot Chip-esque vocals, but the Pulp-ish ‘Caroline’ gives it a run for its money. Make no mistake: Here We Are will win Citizens! an army of new fans over the months ahead.