Citizen Rage – Black EP (Wasted Wax Records)

In 2020, we witnessed a lot of record labels and music venues closing their doors because of this worldwide situation with the pandemic. This unfortunate situation is tough for everyone, and it seems like things will not get any better in 2021. Luckily for us, at least the underground scene produced more than enough good records so we can withstand quarantine a bit easier. Black EP by Citizen Rage is one of those recordings that came out when we needed fast hardcore punk music the most. For those who might don’t know, Citizen Rage emanates from Calgary, Alberta, and this is their most advanced release that came out in September of 2020.

The group follows the strict concept by embracing identical aesthetics since their beginnings. Just like their preceding recordings, Black EP includes the same visual identity, but the cover artwork is entirely monochrome. Previous recordings such as Red EP, Blue EP, Yellow EP, Green EP, and Pink EP included mentioned colors, but the imagery is always the same. The artwork consists of a police cordon layered with some photo effect, while the unidentified object is burning in the background. Each EP comes with four compositions, so that’s the case with a brand new material as well. Like on their previous releases, you can expect nothing but fast-paced hardcore punk tunes, entirely performed according to the times we’re all living.

Citizen Rage solely relies upon the late eighties to mid-nineties luxurious hardcore punk heritage, but it also includes some contemporary acrobatics into their music. You may hear the resemblance with groups such as Hard Resistance, Kill Your Idols, Faction Zero, Right Direction, Poison Idea at some points, but only in traces. The group articulates in its unique manner as much as possible, while these abovementioned bands are used just for comparison. Citizen Rage maintains sheer aggression throughout the entire recording by firing profoundly energetic riffs, chunky basslines, and vigorous rhythmic acrobatics. The group paid a lot of attention to song structures and arrangements. Therefore, these compositions are offering loads of listening pleasures and entertainment during the whole EP.

Perhaps Black EP resonates in a characteristic hardcore manner, but this material somehow showcases more than simplified old school hardcore punk music, decorated by contemporary production. There are slight hints of crossover and modern hardcore that are giving even more depth to these numbers. The lyrics are another great thing about Citizen Rage. The group is criticizing modern society and pointing out fingers at the injustices that are striking humanity. Citizen Rage puts a lot of effort into this material, and their work paid off through four perfectly executed hardcore numbers. Black EP comes on a compact disc alongside the embroidered patch. Head over to the Wasted Wax Records for more detailed information about ordering.