Citay’s “Little Kingdom” is an otherworldly place, full of psychedelic swirl, soaring harmonies and grandiose jams. It’s an epic journey, and an album that sounds out of place today- a classic in the purest sense. Like Citay’s 2006 self-titled debut, the ’70s rock sensibility is intact; Thin Lizzy, acoustic Led Zeppelin, Big Star and the Byrds all remain touchstones. But “Little Kingdom” moves further into ambitious composition, referencing Popul Vuh, “Animals”-era Pink Floyd, the Fripp-Eno collaborations, and early Mike Oldfield.
Live, Citay shakes the walls. Their grand, sweeping psychedelia is perfect headphone music, but the best way to experience Citay is through a live performance. It comes as no surprise that they dabble in sonic excess, taking their recorded work and cranking it up a notch. On this US tour they’ll be making a stop at SXSW, as well as playing alongside bands such as Sons and Daughters, Sunburned Hand of the Man, Rings and more.
MP3:
First Fantasy – http://www.scjag.com/mp3/do/firstfantasy.mp3
Hi Res images and album artwork:
http://deadoceans.com/press/citay/citaypress.php
Press from “Little Kingdom”
“Little Kingdom” is all grins and winks and exaltations, gloriously embossed with shimmering solos and high-times harmonies. – Pitchfork
http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/46733-little-kingdom
Rotating acoustic guitar beds underpin a treated guitar that glides like “Morning Star” period Robert Fripp. Analogue synths drift in and out, evoking Cluster’s “Sowieso.” Overall the effect is something akin to a post-rock take on Popul Vuh’s 1975 album “Das Hohelied Salomos.” No doubt Citay will continue to evolve, but for now the majestic “Little Kingdom” is a head trip that will do just fine – Mojo
“Little Kingdom” is one of the best of 2007. – LA Record
Now let’s do some bong rips and listen to “Little Kingdom.” – Seattle Stranger
Tour Dates:
03/07/08 San Francisco, CA – The Independent  w/ Heavenly States
03/13/08 Austin, TX – South By Southwest (Dead Oceans / Jagjaguwar / Secretly Canadian showcase)
03/14/08 Austin, TX – South By Southwest
03/15/08 Houston, TX – Rudyard’s Pub  w/ Sunburned Hand of the Man
03/17/08 Atlanta, GA – The EARLÂ Â w/ Sons and Daughters, Bodies of Water
03/18/08 Knoxville, TN – Pilot Light
03/19/08 Washington DC, – The Red and The Black
03/20/08 Philadelphia, PA – The Khyber
03/21/08 New York, NY – Cake Shop  w/ Rings
03/22/08 Brooklyn, NY – Silent Barn
03/23/08 Somerville, MA – Pa’s Lounge
03/24/08 Poughkeepsie, NY – Vassar College
03/26/08 Pittsburgh, PA – Belvedere’s
03/27/08 Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
03/28/08 Detroit, MI – The Pike Room
03/29/08 Chicago, IL – The Hideout  w/ Cryptacize
03/30/08 St. Louis, MO – Lemp Arts Center  w/ Jumbling Towers + Cryptacize
Links:
http://myspace.com/citay07
http://www.citay.net
http://deadoceans.com/
http://deadoceans.com/artist.php?name=citay (artist page)