A night built on music, message, and community, Citizen Soldier’s Semicolon Tour brought a powerful wave of emotion to the Roxian. Known for their passionate anthems about mental health and resilience, the Utah-based rock band has steadily grown a devoted fanbase through their deeply personal songs that focus on a wide range of mental health topics. Friday night’s show marked a high point in that journey, with the Roxian packed full of fans who came not just for songs, but for the connection to the music that, for many, saves lives.

Kicking things off was Nerv, who wasted no time getting the early crowd on their feet. Their blend of melodic hooks and punchy guitar riffs gave the show an immediate jolt of energy. Nerv last played at the Roxian while opening for Polaris, and it felt like they never left. Lead vocalist Dillon Jones delivered with confidence, and his raw delivery paired with honest lyrics made for a performance that felt both fierce and personal.

Next up was Thousand Below, who brought a darker, more atmospheric edge to the stage. Their sound, both haunting and heavy, wrapped around the venue with tracks that pulsed with emotion. They were also last at the Roxian with Polaris, same as Nerv; the two bands pair quite well together. Frontman James Deberg carried a brooding intensity that matched their setlist perfectly, and transitions between soft, vulnerable verses and explosive choruses gave the crowd plenty to latch onto. “No Place Like You” and “Wrong again” in particular stood out, hitting especially hard in a room filled with so many people who use music as an outlet for their emotions.

10 Years, the veteran act on the bill, brought polish and power to their set. Drawing from their deep discography spanning all the way up to their 2024 album Inner Darkness, the Tennessee-based band played with the confidence of seasoned performers and still carried the same fire they’ve been known for since the early 2000s. Vocalist Jesse Hasek moved across the stage with a calm yet striking intensity, connecting with the crowd in a way that felt authentic and heartfelt. “Wasteland” brought out a wave of nostalgia and had the entire room singing along as the band proved their sound has only grown stronger with time.

When Citizen Soldier took the stage, something shifted in the room. Their presence was not just musical, it was emotional. Right away, the band established a connection that ran deeper than the usual artist-to-audience interaction. With the message of the night clear from the name of the tour, this show was a space for healing. They opened with “Talk Me Down,” and from that very first note, every lyric felt like a lifeline being thrown into the crowd. Fans responded with hands raised and voices lifted, meeting every word with intensity and heart.

The set showcased a wide variety of styles. From heavier, in-your-face rock jams complete with smoke blasts and colourful strobe lights to emotional acoustic songs perfect for having a brief 3 and a half minute emotional breakdown, there was a little bit of everything. They even brought out the lovely artist LEXX for a stunning duet. Citizen Soldier’s upcoming album Family Heirlooms, set to release November 12th, will further explore different sounds and styles while still maintaining a strong focus on mental health and escaping the darkness.

Between songs, frontman Jake Segura took the time to speak directly to the audience about mental health, trauma, and the importance of surviving another day. These weren’t scripted, emotionless interludes, they were genuine, heart-to-heart conversations. He spoke with care and honesty, taking from his life as a licensed social worker and clinical therapist, sharing pieces of his own journey while reminding everyone that they weren’t alone in theirs. Tracks “Would Anyone Care” and one of their newest singles “Better Off Broken” from Family Heirlooms hit especially hard, sparking emotional reactions across the floor. The crowd stood stunned during these moments, many with tears in their eyes, locked in a collective understanding that music truly can be medicine. Throughout the show, there were so many shouts from the crowd stating “This music saved my life.” Even something that seems so small can give so much hope and meaning to people’s lives. That’s the true power of music.

Citizen Soldier closed with “You Are Enough” and “This Is Your Sign,” two songs that shine bright, like a lighthouse cutting through the void of darkness that feels never-ending at times, acting as a beacon of hope when everything else feels lost. These two tracks felt like the heartbeat of the entire night. As the final chorus rang out, fans screamed the words like a battle cry, hugging friends, strangers, and themselves. It was a cathartic release. Citizen Soldier left the stage not just to roars of applause, but to something even stronger: the sound of healing. In a world where so many people feel unseen, this show offered a spotlight for the broken, the tired, and the brave to stand together and feel understood.

May 9th, 2025