After a sold out show supporting Max Raptor at The Forum alongside Fort Hope on 16th January, Tunbridge Wells boys CITIES are pleased to reveal that their debut self-titled EP is out now and can be purchased on iTunes here.
To celebrate the news, they’re sharing the lyric video for ‘The Early Hours’, the first track to be taken from the release:
Built around the core of a shattering, groove-driven riff, ‘The Early Hours’ is a stomping anthem that recalls the best of contemporaries Canterbury and breaks down into twinkling, melodic verses that are typical of the CITIES sound. Their debut EP is bursting with choruses that are longing for a sold out venue to sing along, complete with epic backing vocals and intricate lead guitar work reminiscent of Brand New and Thrice.
“This song is about conforming to mainstream society and how this particular girl has never felt comfortable” explains front man Ryan Checksfield “Everything she sees in life makes her second guess and feel uneasy, she’s trying to figure out how to break free from the normal standards of living that society imposes on us so that she can be herself.”
“We’re really proud of the EP” he continues “The songs are kind of inspired by the idea that no matter what has happened, be it good or band, there is always a way to get through things. Either alone or with others, life can be hard, but it’s how you get through it that makes you who you are. It’s taken a lot of hard work to be in a position where, as a band, we are all happy with what we have.”
Only forming just over a year ago in September 2012 they’ve already smashed their way through support slots with Mallory Knox, Lower than Atlantis, Funeral for a Friend, Arcane Roots and many more, while 2013 saw the band head out on their first UK tour on a run of dates with Hildamay, as well as a whole host of support slots alongside contemporaries in up-and-comers Attention Thieves, Hey Vanity, Verses and Lonely the Brave.
The band hit the road for a short run of dates with alt-rock outfit Speaking In Italics alongside Idle States in February 2014 and are set to release another single with music video early March.
February UK Tour Dates w/ Speaking In Italics & Idle States:
21st Medway – Beacon Court
22nd TBC
23rd Manchester – RetroBar
24th Leicester – Firebug
CITIES are:
Ryan Checksfield – Lead Vocals & Guitar
Andy Cuthbert – Backing Vocals & Guitar
Jack May – Guitar
Jack Bowdery – Drums
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‘CITIES’ EP Artwork & Tracklist:
1. One Of These Days
2. Only Alive
3. You Deserve Anything (Standing Ovation)
4. The Early Hours
