REVIEW: Takeout by Citrus
At this time of year sunny days are becoming more frequent and funky summer playlists are being made. To help your summer have a soundtrack to remember, Citrus have released their debut single ‘Takeout’. The members were previously in the band Grafted, but due to a change in members and musical direction, they decided to rename. The name Citrus perfectly mirrors the refreshing sound produced in this track.
Whilst listening to the intro for the first time alone, I could tell that it is going to be capable of getting large crowds to go wild, like the fruit in a blender. The exuberant guitar riff immerses the listener into a feel-good feeling straight away. A strong hit of a drum accentuates the second beat of the riff every time it’s repeated. I like that the drums sound slightly delayed as it seems easier to focus on the talent you can hear through the instruments. We are then eager to hear the instruments merge together and finally, an impressive waterfall-like drum pattern leads into the intertwining of the instruments. When the instruments are played together, the tune sounds massive in terms of texture, similar to how profound the intro of the indie anthem ‘Brianstorm’ sounds.
Daisy leads the vocals that are first heard in verse one, which is slightly quieter than the intro. ‘Takeout’ is the first song to feature on Alternative Atmosphere that is sung by a female and I’m so glad it is this because I love her voice. Throughout the song, her voice carries so much depth with hints of attitude and soulfulness.
The lyrics are about looking at a toxic relationship from an outside perspective, juxtaposing with the upbeat sound created. However, some of the lyrics are quite fun which supports their youthful sound.
The chorus is like a whirlwind of the instruments and vocals together and I predict it is the section of the song most people will sing back to the band at a gig. If all someone heard of this track was the chorus, it would have enough power to entice the listener to check out the whole song. For a debut single, the chorus is incredibly constructed!
After the second chorus, we can only hear the delicately-played guitars, emphasizing the start of the coruscating instrumental. Yet it’s not long before the texture builds back up again. The racing drums define the start of an increase in energy. An electrifying, repetitive, descending melody is added at a later stage of the instrumental, completing the vigorous sound that makes us realise Citrus are more than capable of supplying the future music scene with some incredibly funky tunes! The sense of attitude that is present throughout is enhanced for the final time in the last few seconds of the track where a repeat of the intro is brought to a halt with a vivid drum phrase.
I suggest that you keep your eyes on Citrus if you’re a fan of Two Door Cinema Club, The Wombats, Courteeners or Sundara Karma. However, this tune is certainly for anyone in need of a summer bop!
Take out your speaker and go listen to this zealous bop as loud as you can! Anyone who listens to it will be placed in a happy, summery mood where all they want to do is dance.
This review was originally published on Alternative Atmosphere in 2018.
