A Citizen Above Suspicion is the brainchild of brothers Paul and Ross Shepherd. Drawn to write by a love of music by the likes of David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Muse, Manic Street Preachers and Nine Inch Nails, the pair work together to create the band's songs. There is a clear division of labour, with Ross contributing melodic vocals to Paul's dark, tension-filled rock backing tracks. The band's aim is to create a diverse musical backdrop with songs connected by common lyrical themes and concepts. The best part of 2004 was spent writing and recording a self-released 12-track debut album. Set for release in spring 2005, 'Evacuate' outlines the rise of humankind out of the evolutionary soup. Tracks such as 'The Infirmary' and 'The Hand of Man' chart the elevation of humans above animals, through the development of war and religion. The malaise of present-day life is documented in tracks like 'Myocardium', whereas the final four tracks outline a hypothetical future where humans are forced to evacuate the planet in search of a new home, having damaged the earth beyond repair. The songs are diverse and dynamic, ranging from calming piano/keyboard instrumental sections through to energetic, heavy rock. Likewise, the vocals vary in style to reflect the mood of each individual song. The band is completed by live musicians Matt Allen (bass), Stephen Simmons (keyboards) and Grant Tulley (drums). In the transition from CD to stage the songs are given a new directness; stripped down to a five-piece arrangement.