With The Tales of Morpheus, The New Citizen Kane delivers an ambitious and deeply personal musical journey that defies easy categorization. Rooted in electronic music but branching into indie pop, new wave, nu disco, jazz, bossa nova, and even blues, this 21-track album is as eclectic as it is cohesive. Recorded entirely in a home studio, it is both a testament to the artist’s creative resilience and a sonic diary chronicling moments of anxiety, self-discovery, and love.
The New Citizen Kane, a London-based musician, songwriter, and producer, wrote, performed, and produced the album alone—aside from a few guitar contributions by longtime friend James Chalkwood. This decision to work independently was a turning point, as the artist embraced their own instincts fully, shedding the need for external validation. The result is an album that feels authentic, introspective, and refreshingly uninhibited.
From the outset, the album feels like a soundtrack to a vivid dream, full of contrasting moods and textures. There are moments of euphoric disco, melancholic trip-hop blues, and brooding electronica, all tied together by The New Citizen Kane’s unique songwriting and melodic sensibilities. Influences such as Phoenix, Tears for Fears, Gregory Porter, John Lee Hooker, and Royksopp are subtly woven into the sound, yet the album never feels derivative—rather, it stands as its own bold artistic statement.
As the lead single, “Killer Charisma” is an instant standout. At first glance, it’s a funky, energetic nu-disco anthem, but beneath the surface, the lyrics explore self-discovery, the power of music, and the deceptive allure of social media culture. The juxtaposition of playful grooves and introspective themes creates a song that is both infectious and thought-provoking.
The accompanying music video, a montage of Golden Age Hollywood clips, adds a cheeky and nostalgic charm that perfectly complements the song’s themes. It’s an invitation to reclaim joy and authenticity in a world obsessed with image.
“Stupid Blue” is raw, visceral, and unapologetically emotional. Blending old-school blues guitar, trip-hop beats, and late-night lounge piano, the song mirrors the chaotic, cyclical nature of toxic relationships. The swearing in the lyricsfeels earned—it’s not used for shock value but rather as an honest expression of frustration and desire.
The song underwent multiple iterations before arriving at its final form, but the end result is a hypnotic, moody masterpiece that lingers long after it ends.
“Alchemy” is a sensual, genre-blurring track that explores the intoxicating chemistry of love. Featuring urban, pop, and electronic influences, it exudes effortless cool and playful sincerity. The lyrics, particularly “This alchemy is suspicious, I never thought love could be so utterly delicious”, encapsulate the dizzying thrill of romance.
Musically, The New Citizen Kane experiments with vocal textures, employing a lower, sultry register that adds to the song’s magnetic allure. It’s a track that feels both intimate and cinematic, pulling the listener into its seductive atmosphere.
One of the most impressive aspects of The Tales of Morpheus is its home-studio production quality. The album was recorded entirely in The New Citizen Kane’s spare bedroom, yet it sounds as polished as any major-label release.
This DIY ethos proves that creativity is no longer bound by access to expensive studios, and The New Citizen Kane has mastered the art of self-production without compromise.
Beyond the music, The Tales of Morpheus is also a visual album, with each of its 21 tracks accompanied by a music video. These visuals range from abstract animations to repurposed pop culture clips, creating a multi-layered storytelling experience.
For those who want to delve even deeper, a YouTube playlist has been curated with all the music videos, offering an opportunity to experience the album as a fully immersive narrative.
With The Tales of Morpheus, The New Citizen Kane has created a body of work that is deeply personal yet universally relatable. The album is:
✅ Musically adventurous, blending genres effortlessly.
✅ Emotionally rich, offering introspective, self-aware lyrics.
✅ Cohesive yet eclectic, maintaining a distinct identity across diverse influences.
✅ Innovatively produced, proving that a home studio can rival professional setups.
✅ A complete sensory experience, thanks to its accompanying visual album.
This is not just an album—it’s a statement, an invitation into The New Citizen Kane’s world of dreams, memories, and sonic experimentation. It’s a project that rewards multiple listens, with new details emerging each time.
Whether you’re drawn to synth-driven indie pop, lush electronica, or introspective songwriting, The Tales of Morpheus offers something uniquely captivating. It’s a reminder that music, at its best, is both a form of therapy and a means of connection—and The New Citizen Kane has mastered both.
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