Innovation, social commentary and introspection is on the agenda for Citizens of YEAH!’s second album, People’s Republic of YEAH.

By Graeme Smith

New to our blog, Citizens of YEAH! is a project born out of coronavirus lockdown and led by Newcastle-based multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Womack. His second album ups the ambition from his debut and draws influences from alternative rock legends like Radiohead, The Smiths, and Pixies.

Lyrically, the album covers topics as diverse as hypochondria, the King’s coronation, the mercenaries of Wagner Group, the monasteries of Sierra Leone, and Rio Ferdinand’s exclusion from Roy Hodgson’s England football squad.

Singles from the album have already made their way to the airwaves on Amazing Radio, teasing listeners with what to expect from its ten tracks. Lying on the tarmac provides the early focus, following on from the jangly and cutting God is my right and the brooding math rock of Kimberella. Its raw instrumental and confessional, poetic lyrics make it a standout.

3 little piggies provides a late album highlight thanks to its soaring alternative rock and pleading lyrics that are rich with metaphor. Other highlights include the experimental, introspective Survival of the fittest, the bombastic, tongue-in-cheek Theme from episodic espionage caper and folksy, brassy album closer Orpheus and Eurydice which beautifully retells the Greek myth.

With his second album, Jonathan Womack and his Citizens of YEAH! project proves themselves to have a unique point of view. Womack wears his musical influences on his sleeve but also shows the audacity to try something new. There’s room for humour in a collection that hits hard emotionally and intellectually. If you’re looking to listen to something fresh and innovative today, look no further.

People’s Republic of YEAH was recorded at home and including contributions from Daniel Clifford and Ed Bogira. It’s out now and you can give it a listen below.