EIGHT-PIECE PSYCH FUNK OUTFIT
CYTRUS
ANNOUNCE SOPHOMORE ALBUM
DUALITY
OUT NOVEMBER 14–PRE-SAVE
SLUDGY, MELANCHOLIC FIRST SINGLE
“OUTTA CONTROL”
OUT NOW–LISTEN
LIVE SHOWS THIS WINTER + EARLY 2026
ACROSS WASHINGTON + OREGON
Today, Seattle, WA-based eight-piece psych funk outfit Cytrus announces their punchy sophomore album Duality due out November 14 and available for pre-save now
With the announcement, the band shares the first taste of the project with “Outta Control,” out now
Plus, the band will perform live via YouTube and later, in person, this winter across Oregon and Washington–see dates
Duality pays homage to 1960s & 1970s rock, soul and psychedelia, while exploring themes of good, evil, mortality, immortality and time. Over six tracks, the group finds their groove with flowing instrumentals, soaring solos, hard-hitting riffs. With these songs, the band found their identity, their artistic direction and paved their path forward.
Jared Squires (guitar/vocals) says making the album “felt tangible, urgent and loved. I think this shines through in the final product. This is a sophomore album from a band that has the utmost respect for attention to detail in their craft. I’m just really proud of what we created.” The group hopes to take listeners on a journey that delicately balances nostalgia with present-day and the familiar and the foreign
Slow, sludgy and melancholic, “Outta Control” looks at the choices one makes and how one spends their time. As it unfolds, it reminisces on how these choices played out. It was with the making of this track that the band found their direction for the project as a whole. It’s become a staple in the high energy live show, so capturing the magic in a studio proved to be a challenge, but the band is proud of the result.
Owen Mayo (guitar/keys) says, “The studio rendition seems to maintain the true essence of our performances from the past 2 years, while also benefiting from the polish and maximalism that you can get from a finished record. We’re very proud of how this one turned out, and that’s a big reason why we chose it as our lead single for this album.”
Formed in Everett, WA, the band emerged from a shared storage unit and rehearsal space between the two original bands, HopSol and Bunk Foss. They joined forces when the local Fire Marshall demanded they leave due to safety conditions.
The band is made up of Jared Squires (guitar/vocals), Luke Nevills (bass/keys), Brandon Hailey (saxophone), Owen Mayo (guitar/keys), Trevor Church (drums), Connor Merritt (aux percussion), Alex Dean (synth/keys), and Sean Connelly (vocals/keys) who come together to concoct their own blend of funk, prog rock, disco, electronic, hip-hop and more.
They’ve since competed in and won the “Meltdown Showdown” for a chance to perform at Summer Meltdown Festival, then returned to provide direct support to STS9 at the following Summer Meltdown. Now, their synth-filled, groovy forthcoming record establishes the band’s own sonic universe as they infuse their own flair into their 1960s and 1970s psych rock and soul influences.
Cytrus’ visceral sophomore album, Duality, is out November 14 and is available for pre-save now. The first single, “Outta Control” is out now, and don’t miss the band live in Oregon and Washington in late 2025 and early 2026. Connect with Cytrus on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for more.
Cytrus Live 2025/2026
Wednesday, October 22 @ 10pm PST
Sunday, November 2 @ 5:30pm PST
Saturday November 8 @ 5:30pm PST
Sunday November 16 @ 5:30pm PST
Live in person:
Nov. 22 – Blairally – Eugene, OR
Dec. 31 – Nectar Lounge – Seattle, WA
2026
Jan. 10 – Mississippi Studios – Portland, OR
Feb. 21 – Wild Buffalo – Bellingham, WA
Mar. 14 – Airport Tavern – Tacoma, WA
Duality (LP)
Tracklist
01. Out Of Pocket
02. Leave The Rest
03. Outta Control
04. Standing Ovation
05. Untethered (Young Man)
06. Duality Of Man
ABOUT CYTRUS
Cytrus’ eight-piece, synth-driven sound, replete with soaring guitar solos, wailing sax and percussion galore makes a place at the table for everyone.
Shaped by Jared Squires (guitar/vocals), Luke Nevills (bass/keys), Brandon Hailey (saxophone), Owen Mayo (guitar/keys), Trevor Church (drums), Connor Merritt (aux percussion) Alex Dean (synth/keys), and Sean Connelly (vocals/keys), the octet offers a powerful psychedelic pallet of funk, soul, disco, electronic, rock & roll, hip-hop, prog rock and more.
Cytrus’ humble beginnings grew out of a shared storage unit in Everett, WA, where two bands HopSol and Bunk Foss would rehearse. Enduring freezing winters and sweat-drenched summers, the love of sonic exploration fueled their curiosity and passion. But that all changed one day when the city of Everett appointed a new Fire Marshall who considered the space unfit for bands. It was time for them to leave.
In the face of uncertainty, the two bands decided to close that chapter with a ceremonial group jam. Uncertain of what the future held, they plugged in their instruments and did what they knew best; they played music. Little did they know that being uprooted would allow something bigger and better to blossom in its place. Something far juicier. And so, Cytrus was born. But what happened next would launch the newly fused band onto the scene.
In May 2019, Cytrus competed in and won the Summer Meltdown Showdown and an opportunity to perform at Summer Meltdown Festival. Finally, the band had their shot. With their midday set falling on Sunday (8/4/2019), the Saturday prior was filled with excitement and giddy anticipation. Cytrus just couldn’t wait that long! As the Main Stage closed down, festival-goers scattered, in search of more music, fun, adventure. Cytrus seized the moment.
In the Sensorium Dome, a tingling attraction of glowing lights and high vibes, there was a lone piano. Cytrus brought in a bass amp, a mixer and their instruments and threw down an impromptu “renegade” jam. Hundreds of people flocked in, filling the Dome. This would henceforth be known as “Dome Jam”. It was a moment that would live on in the fanlore of Cytrus’ origin and follow the band for years to come, with fans lauding “I saw you in the Dome!”
Cytrus has continued to expand their reach. Having left their mark in the hearts and minds of festival goers, Cytrus was invited back to the post-pandemic return of Summer Meltdown Festival in 2022, providing direct support to STS9 on the festival Main Stage.
Later that fall they were flown in to headline night one at the beloved Joshua Tree Music Festival. Since then, they’ve become a fixture of the Re/ Evolution Festival, having headlined all three nights of the event for 3 years in a row (2023-25), leaving an impression on those curious enough to catch a groove along the way.
The Seattle-based band is personalized by their juicy synths, bass-induced grooves, and dynamic live performances. Cytrus is best known for their flowing transitions, powerful sound and undeniable chemistry – all of which you can hear on full display in Cytrus’ debut LP Concentrate and upcoming sophomore LP Duality.
If you get curious along the way, venture out and catch a groove.
CONNECT WITH CYTRUS
Website | Instagram | YouTube | Bandcamp | Facebook | Soundcloud