Although individually each song stands proud, as a collection they tend to become a touch samey.
You just know on hearing the thunderous Doom-laden riffs that herald the opening track 'Evil', that this is not the sort of thing you'd bring along to a light-hearted summer party, unless of course that party was a gathering of "Psychedelic Stoners".
'Higher Time' is Cincinnati-based Electric Citizen's second release after their debut, 'Sateen', that came out over two years ago, and it continues down the riff heavy route of its predecessor. If titanic, sludging riffs, and some dirty Hammond Organ with Siouxsie Sioux-style wails delivered by Laura Dolan float your boat, then this band might just be for you.
The hypnotic, driving riff on 'Misery Keeper' and 'Devils In Passing Time' show guitarist and main song-writer, Ross Dolan, and bassist Randy Proctor know how to pen a riff or two, that may have Dave Wyndorf looking over his shoulder.
Although individually each song stands proud, as a collection they tend to become a touch samey. With more experience in the song-writing department that will undoubtedly come as their confidence grows, then the dynamics and ebbs and flows that can bring real character to a song may well turn a decent album into a great one.
Mick Burgess