Cities - four bright-eyed college kids, keen on creating a decidedly American brand of melancholic, but hooky, indie rock - have a bone to pick with those hipster highbrows focusing their attention across the pond. The band's self-titled Yep Roc debut slices through Brit-influenced post-punk with mid-90's, layered guitar rock, and the organic, indie aesthetic that was born in Chapel Hill, NC. The band has continually honed its sound while playing sold-out shows with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, We Are Scientists, Thunderbirds Are Now!, Unwed Sailor, Engine Down, and I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness, wowing audiences with their cathartic, near-feral live show. Committing Cities' sound to record was up to Brian Paulson (Beck, Superchunk, Wilco, Rosebuds), whose knack for straightforward production allowed the band to transfer their sweeping, moody epics to disc.
