Imagine Dragons are at it again. On November 9th, they will release their fourth studio album, “Origins.” This album includes 12 tracks, with three more to come in the deluxe version. This album comes just a year and a half after their album “Evolve,” which produced smash hits like “Believer” and “Thunder”.

In a preview video, lead singer Dan Reynolds discussed how this new album came about. He acknowledged that releasing another album so soon after “Evolve” was definitely the unexpected move, and that artists tend to “go into hiding” and take a long break after they release an album and go on tour. However, the band never really went on hiatus and continued to make music. They decided to go against the norm, because the band believed that “this is a new world of music, so why don’t we put it out right now?”

So far, there have been three singles released from the “Origins” album. “Natural” has already become a hit with its dark, powerful lyrics and instrumentals. Empowering and fun “Zero” is also going to be featured on the soundtrack for Wreck-It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks The Internet. Most recently, they released “Machine” on Halloween, an anthem with a strong, mechanical beat that proves that they are not “part of your machine.” All three have much different sounds, but I have really liked the variety that this album has already provided.

Imagine Dragons made sure to make clear that “Origins” is not an extension of the “Evolve” era. They are starting something completely new, signaling what they hope to be the start of a very bright future for the band. I was not expecting to see a new Imagine Dragons album this soon, but I really appreciate their desire to go against what is “normal” in the music world and share what they have created. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Imagine Dragons’ music so far, and can’t wait to hear what they have in store for us next.

Post by: Emily Reuvers from “The Monday Mix” on KUST at 7:30p.m. on Monday nights.

By: Ryan Smith

“House Party” by the Knocks is the quintessential Friday night song. While the message of the song has the duo that is the Knocks discussing their fame and rise to it, the chorus of the song and the beat help bring it’s booty-shaking message to the ears of all listeners. A house is simply what the place you own- making it a home is up to you. The Knocks definitely bring that feeling in this track, saying “Let’s take it back, back to my house” and keep this party going! I guess “Home Party” wouldn’t have as much of a ring to it now though, would it? Name aside, this is a song I could see being an anthem for the next “Project X” movie, and I’m ok with that.

Listen to it on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/track/4KY6DjFGardfeUJZz1sEb4

By: Ryan Smith

Citizen is an Ohio based band that gently blends post-hardcore and pop punk elements into their comfortable and accessible sound. Their newest album, “As You Please,” makes up for 2017’s “Everybody Is Going To Heaven” but doesn’t really stand out of the crowd that is the midwest rock scene, riffs harsh enough to get the point across but not engaging enough to really feel edgy, lyrics that are only really notable for being more resentful than anything else and an album that sounds like it’s more afraid of change than the average kindergartner. There’s really nothing wrong with this album, through multiple listens I never really wanted to turn it off early or skip tracks but once I turned it off I found my brain had nothing to dwell on, nothing that made me want to return to it other than to try to find words for how I was feeling about it. If you’re a fan of post hardcore, pop punk or emo I really don’t think this’ll wow you, especially not compared to some of the year’s other offerings from those genres. And if you’re not really interested in that sound normally? I can’t imagine you’ll get much of anything out of this, it just doesn’t bring anything to the table other than some heavier than average background music. I wouldn’t say you shouldn’t listen to this, but I can’t recommend it either.