The New Citizen Kane is back at it again with this downright danceable banger “Ratbag Joy,” with an emotional undercurrent. Serving as the second single off the upcoming multi-sensory album Psychedelika, the track is a masterclass in contrast, where glittery beats and euphoric grooves mask a much darker emotional undercurrent.
Right from the jump, “Ratbag Joy” reels you in with a magnetic hook and Kane’s thick, charismatic vocals that roll through the speakers like a hypnotic mantra. The beat is slick and infectious, and the synths float with sunny nonchalance that screams “late-night freedom.” But if you actually lean into the lyrics, it’s a whole different story. He sings, “your sins are high on a low town drive,” hitting us hard with that intriguing juxtaposition that reflects us falling to the flames of our consequences. Whereas, the line, “your dreams are lost in a lot of white dust,” comes with another dose of the road imagery, connecting the escapism from reality and the desperation to dream big.
That’s the genius of “Ratbag Joy.” This dance track is a portrait of denial set to a party beat. The chorus is so catchy, you could miss its weight. The repetition drives the point home.
The self-directed video adds another layer to the madness, swirling through chaotic scenes that mirror the track’s intoxicating energy and emotional disconnect. The characters look like they’re having fun, but the emptiness in their eyes tells a deeper story.
With “Ratbag Joy,” Kane is reinventing the map. If Psychedelika follows this path, we’re in for one hell of a trip. Check out the music video on YouTube.
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Review by: Naomi Joan