The New Citizen Kane has never been one to sit quietly in the corner. With “Causing A Commotion,” his latest EP, he offers a kaleidoscopic sampler of his forthcoming full-length PSYCHEDELIKA—an ambitious multi-sensory project that aims to stretch the boundaries of storytelling and immersive art as a whole. Where some artists dabble, Kane fully dives, curating each track as a sonic journey and an emotional vignette. This EP, released in the waning glow of summer, feels like a sunset—warm, hazy, nostalgic, but also tinged with an undercurrent of anticipation for what’s coming next. Across its eight tracks, Kane delivers a playful yet deeply introspective blend of disco, synthpop, electro-funk, and soulful confessionals, grounding the shimmer of the beats with the gravity of his lyrics.
At the heart of the EP is “Subconscious,” a track that works as a standalone single and the connective tissue of Kane’s artistic vision. It’s a seductive, disco-soul confessional that captures the messy push-and-pull of desire. The song explores the moment when reason and instinct collide—when we’re caught between trying to hold control and the undeniable pull of surrendering to love or lust. Kane underscores this internal conflict with two divergent radio mixes: the Reason Radio Mix, embodying restraint and thoughtfulness, and the Primordial Radio Mix, which surges with urgency and unfiltered emotion. The result is a song that entertains and dramatizes the very experience of falling in too deep too quickly. It’s a musical dialogue between the heart and the mind, each vying for dominance.
Where “Subconscious” is layered and sensual, “Bubble Gum Hot” bursts with playful nostalgia. It’s Kane at his most whimsical, spinning a tale of fleeting young love that popped as quickly as it arrived. With its sugary synth textures and sun-soaked groove, the song captures that bittersweet aftertaste of a love that fizzled but left its mark, much like a catchy flavor you can’t quite forget. It’s lighter in tone than much of the EP, but its effervescence is precisely what makes it so memorable. This is Kane channeling the universal experience of summer flings—the laughter, the brevity, the ache once the season changes. Even in its sweetness, there’s a subtle melancholy that gives the track its staying power.
The titular track, “Causing A Commotion,” is an EP exclusive and feels like the manifesto of the collection. Brimming with bold synths and infectious rhythm, it’s a strut-worthy number that radiates self-confidence and audacity. Here, Kane leans into his ability to craft tracks that are simultaneously radio-ready and artful, balancing catchy hooks with intricate layering. This is the song that ties the EP’s title to its essence: the idea of creating a stir not through shock value, but through the courage to be unapologetically honest and emotionally vivid. It’s about disruption for disruption’s sake, and carving a presence that can’t be ignored.
The EP also features reimaginings of older material, like “Hearts Aren’t Made Of Wood – Rework ’25” and “Meet Me On Street Corners (Synthphonica Radio Mix).” These tracks serve dual purposes: they bridge new listeners into Kane’s earlier catalogue while gifting long-time fans refreshed perspectives on familiar favorites. “Hearts Aren’t Made Of Wood,” in particular, stands out for its reflective warmth, its reworked arrangement infusing the original’s rawness with more texture and dimension. Meanwhile, “Meet Me On Street Corners” transforms into a sweeping synth-driven reverie, nostalgic yet forward-looking, showing Kane’s commitment to keeping his work evolving rather than leaving it trapped in amber.
Then there’s “Ratbag Joy (Alternative Radio Mix)” and “San Diego (Synthphonica Radio Mix),” which add grit and atmospheric edge to the EP. “Ratbag Joy” has always been a cult-followed track, but here it’s reinvented with an alternative touch that sharpens its raw energy while keeping its rebellious spirit intact. “San Diego,” already a streaming favorite, takes listeners on a more cinematic detour—evoking images of sun-drenched highways, coastal air, and bittersweet departures. Together, these tracks enrich the EP with tonal variety, proving Kane’s versatility in moving between playful pop, reflective ballads, and driving electro-rock without losing cohesion.
What sets “Causing A Commotion” apart from standard EP releases is it not feeling like a simple holding pattern before the album drops, but feels like its own self-contained narrative. The songs are teasers and integral puzzle pieces in the larger PSYCHEDELIKA project, while still offering a satisfying arc on their own. There’s vulnerability, there’s nostalgia, there’s swagger, and there’s experimentation. Kane manages to create an experience that’s communal and deeply personal, like he’s speaking to the listener one-on-one while also crafting something destined for the dance floor.
Ultimately, “Causing A Commotion” works as an appetizer and a complete meal. It stands as proof of The New Citizen Kane’s mastery in blending pop accessibility with avant-garde ambition. Each track invites listeners to dance, reflect, and, most importantly, to feel. It’s a reminder that electronic music doesn’t have to sacrifice soul for sheen, and that pop doesn’t have to abandon depth for catchiness. As summer gives way to autumn, “Causing A Commotion” captures that in-between space where warmth lingers but shadows begin to stretch—a liminal moment perfectly suited to Kane’s exploration of the subconscious, nostalgia, and the push-and-pull of human desire. And if this is just the prelude, PSYCHEDELIKA promises to be a truly immersive world worth losing yourself in.
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