The New Citizen Kane's "FREE to FEEL" Review

The New Citizen Kane's EP FREE to FEEL reminds me of a city at night, just after the rain has stopped. The lights still shine on the streets, and it's a quiet kind of life that's going on. Not a single point appears to be at rest. It's the same feeling throughout the entire EP, you feel it before you know why.

It starts with "Dream Logic" which has a strong, steady beat that is kind of like a push to stop overthinking. Their vocals remain cool and confident and the music sounds somewhat like an older synth sound, but it doesn't sound like it's trying to be a relic of the past. It's new, yet still retains that style.

Next comes “Metallic” and the music takes a different turn. This was the one song that stuck with me the most as it doesn't try to explain itself. It just keeps going with a certain assurance and a little adventure. It relies on you to follow along and it feels open and free.

I was taken aback by the song "Into My Heart," which is a bit slower and even more interesting. It's so straight to the point and makes you feel comfortable. It seems more like somebody listening intently to you rather than trying to be big and emotional. It's never too heavy, and I believe that's what makes it so effective.

The EP really benefits from a bit of this, as “Ugly Alligator” sets the tone back again. The song's frustration isn't for show, it's real. It doesn't allow the record to become too comfortable throughout. It brings another dimension to the music and a bit of zip to the project.

Questions in the song are natural by the time "What's Real?" starts. It appears they've been leading here all along. At the end of "Metallic," with the acoustic version, everything is stripped back. It's a bit quieter at the front than at the end and doesn't do a lot, but it says a lot.

It's not only one song that sticks with me. This artist is not giving easy answers as to who he is or what everything means. He allows emotions to take the place of explanation for each component. It is this honesty that made this EP one I want to revisit again.