Model Citizens

A short-lived new wave band from New York City, Model Citizens created an arty, energetic sound dominated by choppy rhythms, a precise instrumental approach, theatrical vocals, and songs that owed more to art music than the punk sounds then flourishing at CBGB. Active between 1978 and 1979, the Model Citizens managed to attract the attention of both Philip Glass and John Cale with their stylish, challenging music, and the members would go on to perform in other influential and well-regarded New York groups. Their official discography amounted to a single four-song EP issued in 1979; these studio recordings were combined with unreleased live recordings for the 2023 compilation NYC 1978-1979.