Newcastle’s Citizens of YEAH!!! crash back onto the scene with ‘Rectangle’, a thrilling new single that is touchingly performed and manages to still barrel forward like a runaway train. What began as a home-recording experiment during lockdown has now morphed into this fully realised sonic force.
The song channels the ghosts of ’90s alt-rock, echoing the emotion of Low and the jangly bite of early Smiths, all while carving out a sound that feels totally their own. There’s a scrappiness here that feels like it was captured live in a single breath, an intoxicating blend of skilled production and grit.
‘Rectangle’ walks a tightrope between the spiritual and the revolutionary. Vivid allusions to religious imagery clash with subtle nods to Brazilian freedom fighters, weaving a tapestry of devotion and resistance. Each line invites you deeper, rewarding those who pay attention with poetic shards that glint in the dark.
The upgraded home studio clearly becomes another band member here, giving the track a muscular punch without sanding down its edges. Every drum hit lands with conviction, and the layered guitars shimmer and crash in waves, propelling us into a heady and immersive sound.
As the first glimpse into their upcoming third album, ‘Rectangle’ feels like a manifesto. It’s loud, defiant, and brimming with restless spirit. Exactly the kind of track that makes you remember why you fell in love with rock music in the first place.
For those hungry for something that feels alive, ‘Rectangle’ is a powerful reminder that real energy can’t be faked.
