Let The Bliss-Out Begin

The Citizens, a quintet out of New York City, has captured something rarely heard or at least well accomplished these days on its latest effort, Post Cro-Magnon Drift. Not only is this album a complete entity that demands to be listened to from start to finish, but the band members have crafted a blend of pop and rock that not only draws on a variety of styles, but blends them in to something wholly unique... The Citizens shouldn’t be missed! It’s easy to say that this band or that band is the best new thing to hit the streets, but in the case of this NYC quintet it would be impossible not to sing the members’ praises. Fans of any sort of quirky pop or rock should get their hands on Post Cro-Magnon Drift immediately and let the bliss-out begin.

On The Cusp of Something Great

...locating a balance between grit and sophistication... sounds like they're on the cusp of something great.
Pitchfork Score: 7.9

Post Cro-Magnon Drift is a true gem, undiscovered and waiting to be unearthed

...It's catchy, hugely listenable and great summer music, so make sure you make the best of it while the sunshine lasts. In fact, there's so much else to say about it there's hardly need to mention the lovely touch of breaking the track listing in two on the sleeve notes, as if this was a proper record (so much more substantial than your new-fangled CD/MP3 nonsense) but I'm going to anyway, because these sort of things make me happy and show that there's just that little bit more thought going into all this than usual...

Defies Anything Currently Coming Out Of New York

The Citizens - Mark Lesseraux, Thom Loubet, Jason DiMatteo, and John Bollinger - have created a sound that defies anything coming out of New York City. They are at the complete opposite end of the musical spectrum, seeming to emerge from another generation where music was actually composed, and not simply thrown together. Less is more is not the rule of thumb on this record. In addition to the basics, a flawless fusion of violin, cello, space organ guitar, piano, and sound effects are lent to individual songs. The songs are so immaculately arranged that you can't help but feel a Beatle-esque comparison coming on... If you are looking for a new CD to open yourself up to, what lies ahead is a beautifully crafted record that tugs at the heartstrings. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

The properly-hatted Citizens' meta-ranking

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An Eclectic Combination of Diverse Musicianship

encompasses a plethora of moods and passions that elevate this record to 'surprise' status and leaves the listener entirely gratified by its conclusion. Each song contains its own element of distinguished refrains, producing an eclectic combination of diverse musicianship ...within the shadows of New York's finest performers, The Citizens have blended a poignant and fascinating, personal self-image of professional musicianship that elevates the band to unanticipated captivation ...the vocals on the entire record showcase the strength of the music of the band; persuasive, robust, passionate, resilient, melodic, etc.

Lovely Mini-Epics Bursting With Jangly Guitars

With their sweeping, reverby pop/rock and unique-yet-strangely-familiar arrangements, The Citizens cherry-pick the very best from Jeff Buckley, U2, Big Star, even bits of The Waterboys, and re-assemble them into lovely mini-epics bursting with jangly guitars. An ambitious bunch, they're actually at their best when they stretch out on the longest of Are We There Yet's ten tracks. Though The 'Zens' tunes often bear the operatic hallmarks of Buckley and Bono's stuff (the swooning "Clementine" and bombastic title track, respectively), Mark Lesseraux's strong, crystal-clear vocals are most comparable to Ron Sexsmith getting his rock on, especially on the wide-open pop of "Blusher" and the plaintive "Deck Full of Jokers". The unpredictable song structures are fresh and innovative, too, twisting off in unexpected directions mere seconds before you can remember what they remind you of.

Offers Hope That The Big Apple May Still Have Some Tricks Up Its Sleeve

This New York quartet mixes avant-garde insanity with the occasional catchy rhythm to create an awkward listening experience that's as subtle as a car crash, yet just as strangely alluring. Rubberneckers unite for a fool-hearty romp through the Residents-inspired, lounge lizard lunacy of a completely fucked "Deck Full of Jokers" that makes Tom Waits sound sober,.. Are We There Yet? offers hope that the Big Apple may still have some tricks up its sleeve and is a promising debut from a band to watch out for