If you’re searching for an artist who defies typical confines, The New Citizen Kane is a captivating powerhouse. Born in Dublin and carved by the dynamic cultural landscapes of Milan and New York, Kane’s artistic journey is one of many layers, each chapter revealing more about his unique blend of talents and eclectic influences. From his early work on Dublin’s theatre scene to his deep dive into music production at Pulse Recording College, Kane has donned many hats: actor, model, and now, unavoidable in the world of songwriting and music production. His 2014 debut It’s Not Science… It’s a Feeling earned critical acclaim, drawing comparisons to legends like George Michael and Depeche Mode. Fast forward to 2024, and the release of his highly anticipated “Could Have Been” EP, released on December 12, marks yet another milestone in his illustrious career—a sonic journey filled with emotional highs, reflective lows, and a true exploration of the human experience. Let’s take a closer look at the tracks that make up this electrifying collection and why it will remain the most important on our playlists for months to come.
The EP’s title track, “Could Have Been (Single Mix),” sets the tone for a deeply reflective piece that taps into the vulnerability of lost love and alternate realities. The song’s contemporary vibe is driven by a beautifully evocative guitar melody, which, paired with electronic beats, creates a contrast between melancholic nostalgia and euphoric release. Kane’s vocal performance is top-notch, laced with raw emotion and a captivating cadence that mirrors the lyrical depth of the song. His voice swells during the chorus, driving the track’s emotional intensity and making you feel the haunting pull of a “what if” encounter with a past love. The production is clean, with downtempo verses gradually giving way to a rich, euphoric crescendo that underscores the internal conflict of wondering what could have been.
From poignant to ethereal, “Forget the World” is a dreamy electronic ballad that feels like a soft escape into a world where time slows down. Kane’s delivery on this track is delicate and commanding, effortlessly capturing the bittersweet longing to escape reality and cherish fleeting moments with a lover. The fusion of indie rock and new wave influences here is seamless, creating an expansive, intimate, lush soundscape. The production is airy, with shimmering synths and a rhythmic pulse that evokes a sense of timelessness. This song invites you to live in the present, to forget everything outside of the space you’re sharing with someone important, and its soaring melodies echo that invitation.
A heartfelt rendition of Coldplay’s “Talk,” Kane brings his signature style to the track while staying true to its original emotion. The production here is simpler, allowing Kane’s vocals to take center stage as he imbues the song with his thoughtful flavor. His vocal performance is expressive and full of tenderness, with a slight edge that adds an intimate, almost confessional layer to the song. It’s a beautiful example of how Kane can make any song his while still honoring the essence of the original.
In a departure from the introspective tones of the earlier tracks, “Maybe Tonight” offers an indie-pop vibe infused with vibrant electronic beats. This track has a playful energy yet still carries the undercurrent of wistfulness that runs through much of the EP. Kane’s performance here is electric—his vocals are light and beautiful, wrapping around the lively production with an effortless charm. The song’s instrumentation is infectious, driven by synths, and layered with rhythmic percussion that pulls you into the moment, making you want to dance while you daydream.
The rework of “Chasing the Past” takes the song to new heights with a deeper, more textured arrangement. The track retains its original melancholy while adding layers of rich synths and atmospheric tones, giving it a modern edge. Kane’s voice, always a standout, is haunting and reflective, as though he’s pleading with the past itself to offer clarity. The production is immersive, drawing you into a nostalgic and regretful world where memories are chased and questioned. This rework feels like an evolution of the original, offering a fresh, emotionally charged perspective.
The Red Man Runs Schitzophonic Club Mix of “Forget The World” is a euphoric journey in its own right, taking the song’s dreamy energy and plunging it into a deeper, bass-driven groove. The remix shifts the tone to a more ecstatic, danceable experience while still maintaining the song’s emotive core. The beat-driven transition halfway through the track transforms it into a full-bodied sonic adventure, inviting us to feel every shift in mood and tempo. The bassline here is intoxicating, and the production is layered in such a way that it mirrors the twist of emotions one feels when navigating a love that defies the world’s chaos.
Finally, we come to the dark and twisted remixed version of the title track. The “Dance” remix is an exploration of shadowy disco vibes and tech house elements, with a relentless beat that underscores the darker elements of Kane’s narrative. The haunting quality of the original track is amplified here, with electronic glitches and intense rhythms that match the song’s reflective mood. It’s a pulsating, raw reinterpretation that pushes the boundaries of what the original track explored.
Overall, Kane’s “Could Have Been” EP is an exploration of sound, love, and memory. His ability to seamlessly fuse emotional depth with an ever-evolving array of genres is a testament to his growth as an artist, and this EP serves as proof of his mastery in blending haunting introspection with intoxicating beats. Kane’s performance was grounded in authenticity and emotion, and his voice, nuanced and captivating, never lost its grip on us, no matter the genre or vibe he was exploring. The New Citizen Kane continues to shine as one of the most compelling artists of this generation, and with this EP, he has proven his place at the forefront of innovative, genre-defying music.
Listen to the “Could Have Been” EP on Spotify or SoundCloud
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