The New Citizen Kane is like each of its releases is a chapter in a much larger story, and Free to Feel, a seven-track EP, is a solid opener. It's more than an EP from the first track. It seems to be the start of a well-thought-out plan.
Kane has been developing this project since 2014, and has had various stages of development with the project until this moment. That's the confidence that comes across in the overall release. He doesn't treat each release as a moment in and of itself, but rather each release is a chapter in a longer story that he is playing out on his own terms.
Dream Logic sets a clear mood straight away, with the electronic side of the track giving everything a steady movement while the synths leave plenty of space around it. The track is attractive but also begins to pose questions regarding certainty. It brings up those doubts before the rest of the EP has even had time to respond.
Metallic is the heart of the EP. The late-night spirit is assertive with it but doesn't overwhelm you, and the soft vocals pull you into the song. This is a genuine feeling place. It almost has the feel of the point that the rest of the EP returns to.
Into My Heart makes it so moody and so soft. The vocal is genuine and it's like someone's reaching out rather than trying to sound comforting. The song is somehow strong but quiet. It's more than you may hear the first time.
Ugly Alligator's direction is quite the opposite. Instead of warm, there is a lot of sharpness. It remains danceable with more cutting lyrics. That contrast adds depth and clarity to the EP, and it's evident that Kane is quite willing to take the uncomfortable seat as well as the comfortable one.
This makes Kane appear to know exactly what narrative he wants to convey and trusts the listener will follow him, rather than explaining all of this too quickly. Free to Feel is well thought out, absorbing and well made. The New Citizen Kane is an artist still at the beginning of something great.
