Citizen Crane: The Anthemic Force of Modern Alternative Rock

Citizen Crane is an American alternative rock band known for its soaring melodies and introspective lyricism. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, the group achieved mainstream recognition with their platinum-certified second album, "The Longest Shadow," which debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart.

Early career

Formed in 2010, the core duo of vocalist/guitarist Leo Vance and drummer Sasha Reed began crafting songs in a shared apartment in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood. Their self-released 2012 EP, "Static Coast," garnered local buzz for its raw, emotive sound, leading to a development deal with the independent label Velvet Hammer Records in 2013.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2016 with their sophomore album, "The Longest Shadow," released via Velvet Hammer in partnership with Atlantic Records. Propelled by heavy radio rotation of its lead single, the album sold over one million copies in the United States, earning a platinum certification from the RIAA.

Key tracks

The Longest Shadow — This title track and lead single became a defining anthem, spending 15 weeks on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.

Paper Arrows — A fan-favorite deep cut known for its dynamic build and explosive, cathartic chorus during live performances.

Northern Lights — This collaboration with producer John Congleton showcased a more atmospheric, textured side of the Citizen Crane sound.

Stay the Night — The band's highest-charting single to date, this track peaked at number three on the Alternative Airplay chart in 2016.

Following their breakthrough, Citizen Crane embarked on extensive international touring and released their third album, "Resonate/Disintegrate," in 2019. This record saw them experimenting with broader sonic palettes, including subtle electronic elements, while maintaining their foundational guitar-driven rock. They have since collaborated with artists like Julien Baker on the 2021 single "Anchor Points" and contributed to the soundtrack of the film "Chasing Echoes."

For fans of Citizen Crane's brand of heartfelt, anthemic alternative rock, similar artists in the American scene include The National for their baritone-led poetic rock, Manchester Orchestra who share a similar intensity in lyrical and musical crescendos, and Jimmy Eat World for their mastery of melodic, emotionally resonant rock songwriting.

The music of Citizen Crane is a staple on alternative rock radio stations and modern rock FM channels featured on this website. Their catalog, from early EP tracks to platinum-selling hits, receives regular airplay across a network of online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations dedicated to guitar-based music.

Listeners can discover the powerful discography of Citizen Crane by tuning into the alternative rock stations available on onairium.com, where their anthems are featured in regular rotation.