Pairing a singer-songwriter loaded with creative ideas and a multi-instrumentalist recording/mixing engineer is a formula that more often than not produces winning results. This is precisely what you get with Brooklyn’s Citris and their recently released album “panic in hampton bays.” Lead singer Angelina Torreano impresses with an alluring blend of come-hither bravado and lyrical nihilism, while do-it-all musician Chris Krasnow contributes drums/bass/guitar/synths/horns/percussion and backing vocals along with recording, mixing and mastering the tracks. Album opener “On The Sidelines" channels Daydream Nation era Sonic Youth and the way Steve Shelley’s tighter, more controlled drumming locked in with the single-note guitar riffing of Thurston and Lee. The chorus vocals change all that with harmonizing far more evolved than anything SY ever put out, moving things closer to the ear pleasing fourths that Drew Citron and Frankie Rose did so well with Beverly. Universally relateable lyrics “maybe we’re just rejects, force fed concepts all the time” progress to a coping mechanism of how “maybe we can be friends, see through the same lens on the sidelines.” “Burn Into The Sun” has almost a jazzy feel to it, which fits nicely around the wordy, impassioned vocals and busy drumming. Clocking in at over five and a half minutes, “Little Scars” ambitiously combines 90’s grunge Courtney Love angst with bombastic choruses and even a prog-rock tandem guitar interlude. “Here I am with the poison. I’ve given up, I’m not disappointed. Not looking for love, just want to hang out with you.” There are times when that’s all you need. – By Dave Cromwell
