Citizen Escape

Citizen Escape is like the energizer bunny of the local rock scene. Their live show is a non-stop rock-fest full of energy and intensity. Influences from the many sub-genres of rock, especially the mid-late 90's, makes their dynamic sound exciting and very listenable.

"We're too wussy for metal, we're too mainstream for punk, we're too grungy and punkish for mainstream, so we basically don't fit in anywhere...which might be a great direction to go," said lead singer Jason.

"Citizen Escape is about the whole entertainment factor, our music and performances are going to be the highest level we can make them. Our music is high energy and that leads to high energy shows. Its fun to play, fun to listen to and that's what it should be about, fun," says their bassist Ryan about the bands sound.

Although a lot of the popular music in Bellingham, and mainstream, is not the party rock focus that Citizen Escape falls into, this doesn't get them down at all.

"Life's tough for all of us and this is how we deal with it, music is our coping mechanism. We want people to come see us on a friday or saturday night because they have had a hard week and need a release, an escape, hopefully a Citizen Escape," says Ryan.

It's entertaining the public that keeps Citizen Escape going. Without being cheesy, but still being very catchy, the lyrics are not only audience moving, but also very deep and diverse.

"We have a lot of different influences. Whenever someone says we sound like someone, I completely think the opposite," says guitarist Billy.

With a good 40 shows under their belt, the release of their self titled album and their music being available on amazon, napster and iTunes, Citizen Escape has taken a large leap into the local scene. - Tabitha Englebright - Whats Up! Magazine June 2009

Citizen Escape's music is best described as rock with influences from punk, indie rock, alternative and post-emo.

The 10-track album consists mainly of high energy songs with some ballads and a 'hidden' acoustic track after some dead air on track 10. The four-piece band keeps it straight forward with vocals, guitar, bass and drums. The songs have high energy beats, stops, and breaks to acoustic parts, all of which are good makings for interesting songs. Lead singer Jason has a youthful, emotive tenor voice that matches the music. The guitar work is diverse, from solid rhythms to simple yet killer riffs. While the songs are mostly devoid of solos, guitarist Billy does a good job of slipping them into melody lines. This adds complexity to the album. Bassist Ryan chooses a clever groove. Besides being tight with the drummer, his choice of notes adds another layer, if not definition to the songs. The drums are well placed and are consistent with the genre influences. The backing vocals could easily have screamed, but weren't, and this was a nice touch.

Overall I found the album catchy and fun, with lyrical hooks that really stick. The band seems to have developed its sound since their demo was reviewed just last April of 2009. With energy peaks and gusts, this is one local album worth checking out.
- Brain Fannin