The New Citizen Kane’s latest release, The Tales of Morpheus, is a masterful 21-track odyssey through anxiety, love, and personal growth. Written, produced, and performed almost entirely by the London-based artist, this album is both deeply introspective and refreshingly playful. The soundscape is rich and eclectic, blending electronic music with indie pop, new wave, nu-disco, jazz, and even bossa nova influences. Each track feels like a chapter in a diary—raw, honest, and undeniably immersive.
The album, released on January 31, 2025, is not just an auditory experience but a full visual album, with every song accompanied by a music video. This multimedia approach elevates The Tales of Morpheus beyond just an album—it’s a complete sensory experience, meticulously crafted from start to finish.
The inspiration behind The Tales of Morpheus is as compelling as the music itself. The New Citizen Kane embarked on this creative journey after struggling with anxiety, using music as a form of therapy and self-exploration. The project was born in a home studio setup, where the artist found freedom in recording on their own terms—often late at night when creativity flowed best.
Unlike previous releases that involved more collaboration, this album is a deeply personal endeavor, a conscious decision to trust their instincts and push past stylistic limitations. The result is a body of work that is both cohesive and experimental, with The New Citizen Kane’s signature songwriting and melodies acting as the thread that ties everything together.
With 21 tracks, the album offers a vast array of sounds and emotions, but a few songs truly shine as standout moments.
“Killer Charisma”
The perfect lead single, Killer Charisma is a high-energy, funky disco anthem that carries an undercurrent of introspection. Beneath the infectious groove lies a commentary on self-discovery and the seductive power of music as an escape from darkness. There’s also a subtle critique of social media and celebrity culture, reminding listeners to look beyond the surface. The music video, a montage of golden-era Hollywood clips, adds a cheeky charm that makes the track even more memorable.
“Stupid Blue”
A blues-infused, late-night lounge ballad with trip-hop beats, Stupid Blue explores the intoxicating pull of a toxic relationship. The visceral emotion is palpable, with lyrics that capture the cycle of self-deception and emotional turmoil. The bluesy guitar riff, paired with melancholic piano and moody beats, creates an atmosphere that lingers long after the song ends. The explicit lyrics—rare for The New Citizen Kane—add an extra layer of rawness, making this track one of the most powerful on the album.
“Alchemy”
This song is pure seduction—an exploration of love that transcends boundaries. The lyrics paint romance as a thrilling experiment, with lines like, “This alchemy is suspicious, I never thought love could be so utterly delicious.” The blend of electronic beats, urban elements, and sultry vocals gives Alchemy a hypnotic allure, making it one of the most compelling moments on the album. The New Citizen Kane’s use of their lower vocal register here adds to the song’s sensual energy, showcasing a new dimension of their artistry.
The New Citizen Kane’s ability to craft such a polished album from a home studio is a testament to both talent and technological advancements. The artist utilized tools like Dubler 2 by Vochlea, which converts vocals into MIDI, allowing for complex synth work without traditional piano training. Another key innovation was the ROLI Airwave, which added depth and movement to soundscapes, particularly on tracks like Morpheus (Made of Dreams).
The recording process was as fluid as the music itself. Late-night sessions, long walks while working on beats via phone apps, and spontaneous bursts of inspiration defined the creation of The Tales of Morpheus. This unstructured, organic approach resulted in a project that feels both deeply personal and sonically expansive.
One of the most striking aspects of The Tales of Morpheus is how seamlessly The New Citizen Kane blends diverse influences. There are clear nods to artists like Phoenix and Tears for Fears in the indie-pop and new wave-inspired tracks, while Disco Love echoes the smooth jazz of Gregory Porter mixed with the playfulness of Quadron. Stupid Blue channels John Lee Hooker’s blues essence but reinvents it with trip-hop elements reminiscent of Cameron McVey’s production style.
The album’s genre-fluid nature allows for surprises at every turn. Buy Me A Ticket is pure synth-pop but incorporates unexpected Cajun-style guitar riffs, while North American Philosopher leans heavily into electronica, evoking the soundscapes of Royksopp and Mirwais. This ability to blend genres without losing coherence is one of The New Citizen Kane’s greatest strengths.
At its core, The Tales of Morpheus is a deeply authentic album—perhaps the most personal work The New Citizen Kane has ever released. The songs capture different facets of the artist’s life, from reflections on childhood (Morpheus) to major life milestones like getting married (Buy Me A Ticket). There’s an introspective self-awareness throughout the album, but it’s balanced with a sense of playfulness and charm that keeps the experience engaging.
What makes this album special is its relatability. The New Citizen Kane has a gift for translating deeply personal emotions into universally resonant music. Whether it’s the struggle with anxiety, the push-and-pull of toxic love, or the exhilaration of self-discovery, these themes are conveyed with sincerity and poetic precision.
Beyond the music, The Tales of Morpheus is a full-fledged artistic statement. The visual album component adds depth to the storytelling, with each video offering either a direct narrative or an abstract interpretation of the song’s themes. The use of pop culture clips, animation, and original footage makes for a visually compelling experience that enhances the album’s impact.
For collectors, a special 12″ vinyl edition of the album is available, complete with a full art and lyrics booklet—a testament to the attention to detail that The New Citizen Kane brings to their craft.
With The Tales of Morpheus, The New Citizen Kane has created an album that is as emotionally raw as it is musically innovative. It’s a project born from personal struggle, yet it resonates on a universal level, offering listeners both introspection and escapism. The seamless blending of genres, deeply personal storytelling, and immersive visual components make this a standout release that deserves widespread recognition.
Whether you’re drawn in by the infectious grooves of Killer Charisma, the haunting beauty of Stupid Blue, or the hypnotic allure of Alchemy, there’s something in The Tales of Morpheus for every listener. It’s an album that rewards repeat listens, revealing new layers with each playthrough. Simply put, this is The New Citizen Kane at their most confident, creative, and authentic. A must-listen.
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