Short Reviews [Citizen K - 2018 - "III"]

As can be guessed from the title, this 2018 release was the third from Swedish outfit Citizen K, which is actually multi-instrumentalist Klas Qvist. Unlike many multi-instrumentalists, here is someone who can really sing and also knows how to produce wonderful psychedelic pop numbers in a way not too dissimilar to the wonderful Jeremy Morris. Influenced by The Beatles and The Beach Boys, he has also moved into the Seventies with 10CC being an obvious point of reference. This is an incredibly warm and easy to listen to album, engaging and delightful, with a naivety which makes it all the more enjoyable. The “horns” in particular makes one think of classic Chicago and combined with the strong melodies and vocals really sets a scene. There is just one number less than 3 minutes in length, and just a couple tipping over 5, as this is all about the radio-friendly style which was all over the airwaves the best part of 50 years ago. For fans of power pop with both psychedelic and light progressive influences, with strong vocals and hooks then this will most definitely be of interest. Editor’s note: Following the reveal that the artist cooperated with extremist right forces in his homeland, his label pulled all ties with the artist. The artist’s homepage on Facebook have also disappeared following this. Hence neither the name nor the link to the label will be presented, and there is no easy to find link to the artist’s homepage available presently.