I was lead by that same feeling I get when an old memory suddenly emerges from a distant corner of my mind when I hear the opening bars of the New Citizen Kane's EP, "Causing a Commotion". I was drawn to its synth-pop and real soulful pop sounds on the first listen. I've always loved indie dance that has depth under the surface and Kane Luke really knows how to do that. These seven tracks are intimate, as if you were briefly entering someone else's mind as they were thinking about something at night.
Firstly there's "Subconscious (Primordial Radio Mix)", which induces a hypnotic groove and gradually builds without rushing itself. I was able to get lost in the layers easily. Then comes ‘Bubble Gum Hot' with a lighter and more playful vibe, which completely turns the tone of the music. It's the kind of song that will make me crank up the sound at the wheel with the windows rolled down. This one was an instant hit as well, “San Diego (Synthphonica Radio Mix).” The synths continue to change and expand around the vocals, it's really uplifting and like a movie, it stuck with me for a long time after the song was over.
The revamped "R U That Somebody?" is still rooted in the original, but with an added dose of Kane's dreamy beach-house flair. A sense of yearning pervades it, and I was surprised by this. “Hearts Aren't Made Of Wood '25'” is warm and soulful, but “Ratbag Joy” gives it a more edgy and energetic feel. When the funky riffs and deep bass groove of the EP's title track, “Causing a Commotion,” finally came to a close, I was already planning on playing it all again.
I took away the most from Kane's ability to go from joy to vulnerability so effortlessly. The production is polished; it never feels distant or overworked. There are echoes of 1980s new wave, but it's all his own. I just remembered why I started engaging with electronic music in the first place with this EP. If you're searching for indie dance music with some heart in it, this is a good place to begin.
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