I’m not going to pretend that I know what Citizen are sharing with “Discrete Routine”; the ninth track from As You Please. All I know is that this beautiful track is ripe for escaping into, and for that reason it’s our Track Of The Day.
“Discrete Routine” is observations; of callings as well as crumblings, and confusions too, looking toward the chorus(es).
“Transient soul
You utter my hymn from under your breath
Abandoned one
You’ve learned to forgive but I have not yet
But I have not”
Single piano chords ring out as “Discrete Routine” begins. This is introduction enough before we’re plunged into dreaminess, courtesy of bass, breathy vocals, and experimental-sounding drums.
A flowing feeling, enhanced by layered vocals and gentle movements through the track is easy. We drift along with curiosity too, and I imagine that the beginning of the second verse (“Vol-a-tile sceeeeene”) is what it might sound like in heaven.
Progressively “Discrete Routine” builds; its escalation accented by a distorted crying out, joining along with frustrated guitars and increased tension in the repeated vocal questioning.
At the peak of impressive guitar work in “Discrete Routine”, we find ourselves swimming in a beautiful and angst-heavy ode to the ‘transient soul’.
We are fully immersed in sound by the time the final chorus begins, and the brakes are suddenly hit, leaving nothing remaining but the voice of Mat Kerekes.
“Where does he go? Where does he go?”
