In an era of east Nashville indie bands, there not very many people that truly grasp the meaning of rock. Citizen Zero is one of those bands that are on our list of rock bands that know how to get a room moving, dancing, screaming, singing, and cheering after each song.
When I showed up at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, I ran into a long line out the door with excited fans in tight leather pants, bandanas, and cheetah print. This was because Citizen Zero has been on tour with the comedic hair band Steel Panther.
Once I entered the massive venue, I walked into a sea of people spread about at the bar, tables, and near the stage with an hour left before the show. I stood up front next to two Belmont University students wearing their 80's attire, this was their first time seeing Citizen Zero.
After waiting for an hour, the show began with Josh LeMay running out on stage. The energy of the room went from chatter to screaming with the first strum of Sammy Boller's guitar followed by the beat of the drum played by John Dudley, and the smooth low sound of Sam Collins' bass.
This Detroit based band created a high amount of energy in the room with songs off of their latest album, State of Mind, like "Go (Let Me Save You)", a hypnotic mixture of guitar and smooth vocals, "State of Mind", an fast paced, head bobbing, and powerful representation of hard rock, and "Save the Queen", an addicting sound with a melody similar to Puddle of Mudd's "Psycho."
Each song was curated to have deeply rooted meaning, guitar solos that were electric, and vocals that can not be matched in today's rock scene. The goal for the band's sound is to reach people that are Van Halen and Stone Temple Pilot enthusiasts. With the presence that the band had during their performance, their goal was achieved and then some.
Following the show the first set I returned to the same two Belmont University students to get their perspective on the opening set. Not only were their minds blown, they thought "It was fu****g insane." To sum my experience hearing Citizen Zero for the first time, I get it two thumbs up, meaning pull out your Spotify and play one of their songs!