Citrus Maxima’s Big Fantasy is a captivating nine-track album that seamlessly blends nostalgic influences with fresh, innovative sounds, creating a cohesive and exhilarating musical journey.
Formed in 2014, Citrus Maxima have been in a constant state of evolution. Taking doses of inspiration from the early aughts alternative and indie scene, Big Fantasy is both the perfect homage and gigantic step forward that Citrus Maxima have been waiting for.
Comprised of songs from the vault of Citrus Maxima and fresh from days spent in writing sessions, the currently New York based band have birthed Big Fantasy, a startling nine track album that boasts of its collaboration between members, and the reward of such new horizons.
Opening with instant classic I Don’t Wanna Die, Citrus Maxima set a tonal pace reminiscent of cult favourites Teenage Fanclub. Mesmerising and transcendent, I Don’t Wanna Die is simplistic in its lyricism though intricate in its delivery.
Much like what follows in Second Hand Stuff, there’s a shoe-gazer quality to the expansive intro, and something so beautifully familiar in its melody and structure. It’s a comfortable sense of longing that reaches through the wailing guitars and unexpected chord progressions.
Filled with patience, Second Hand Stuff is an immediate stand out, comfortably accessible in its emotion though no less effective because of it.
Chinese Restaurant takes a step further into the indie soundscape, feeling vaguely modern while still harkening back to the likes of Jimmy Eat World and Nada Surf. Conceptually relatable and amusing while retaining its weight of emotion, Chinese Restaurant strikes the balance that so many indie acts fail to reach.
With its climatic solo section, there’s a new energy that Citrus Maxima release, one of hope and expansion; a demonstration of just a few of the lengths they are able to go to in producing the music they love.
More mellow offerings, like Tried Your Hand, Reuser (a personal favourite that could be straight off of a Built To Spill record) and Horses From Memory come at the perfect time in Big Fantasy. While album running orders do not get the attention they used to, Big Fantasy feels intentional and even more cohesive because of the emphasis on when and where certain songs appear.
It highlights their differences whilst maintaining the essence of a body of work, rather than a sporadic collection of moments.
Big Fantasy stands out amongst a slew of releases, both nostalgic and otherwise, because of how well it succeeds in reminding and inventing. There’s room for growth, but a sense of realisation throughout particularly confident tracks like Wonderkid.
The album closer, Get High, Get Off is a perfect send off. It feels like both the ending and the beginning of Citrus Maxima.
Listen to Big Fantasy below.
Review By Caitlin Norris
