Citizen at Brooklyn Steel on August 28th

Genre-pushing emo band, Citizen, brings their Halcyon Blues World Tour for their upcoming album, out on August 7th, to Brooklyn Steel on August 28th with support from Anxious, Hotline TNT, and Rocket. 

Citizen (formed in 2009) currently consists of vocalist Mat Kerekes, guitarists Eric Hamm and Mason Mercer, and drummer Ben Russin (of emo paragons Title Fight). Following the release of their debut EP in 2011, Young States, the band signed with the iconic Run For Cover Records in 2012 releasing a split EP with emo companions (later turned indie rockers), Turnover. In 2013, Citizen released their debut full-length album, Youth, which became a landmark of the 2000’s emo genre and was praised for its bold combination of emo, melodic hardcore, and grunge as well as its emotionally-pummeling sonic atmosphere and painfully vulnerable lyricism. On 2015’s Everybody is Going to Heaven, they pushed the limits of the sound that they had begun to hone on Youth, creating an album that is somehow even gloomier and heavier than their previous releases. The album highlighted a striking growth of the band’s musicianship and songwriting and charted at number 2 on Billboard’s Vinyl Albums chart. Citizen continued in a similar vein in 2017 on As You Please with an albeit lighter touch and alternative-rock flourishes. 

Citizen switched gears with their following two albums, Life In Your Glass World (2021) and Calling the Dogs (2023), which feature a more upbeat alternative/indie rock sound with dance-punk drums, booming basslines, and bright guitars all while still delivering the same energy and punch that has always driven their music. The band’s new direction situates them comfortably at the forefront of emo, pushing the genre’s limits past what was previously thought possible and solidifying Citizen as one of the most confident and captivating alternative bands of the 2000s. On August 7th, they will release their latest album, Halcyon Blues, for which they have dropped the singles “I Can See You From Here,” “Halcyon Blues,” and “Highs and Lows.” The album draws from all corners of the band’s expansive sound while skyrocketing it to new heights, creating a work with immense depth that unapologetically embodies the spirit of Citizen.  

How To Get Citizen at Brooklyn Steel Tickets

Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Date: August 28

Location: Brooklyn Steel

Address: 319 Frost Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222

Show Time:  7 p.m.

Doors Open: 6 p.m. 

Ticket Price: $47-$212

Ages: 16+