Mobile Estates
Most people in the music business aiming for overnight success want to achieve the following: a modern-sounding, radio-friendly album that maintains musical integrity while perfectly balancing the scales of sales and art. It's clear Citizen King have sneaked a finger on the art side of the scales because while they have the formula down pat, they don't sound overtly formulaic. The Beck-meets-Sublime comparison is obvious, but then again, neither of these acts is entitled to a monopoly of samples, catchy guitar hooks, and addictive melodies. You'll no doubt marvel at the drive-time-radio readiness of the single "Better Days," and the steady flow of raise-the-roof beats in "Under the Influence" is intoxicating. In fact, the band borrows from its influences so well, it's a guarantee that its success will smell sweeter than a rosebud.--Beth Massa