The New Citizen Kane is back with a song that sounds like sunshine on the surface, but holds a storm in the middle. “Ratbag Joy” is a danceable, uplift-yourself anthem with a twist, the kind of song that slyly gets your booty shaking while it whispers at the gravity of unsaid things.
The moment you hear it, you are also swept away by its propulsive rhythm and shimmering melodic invitation to let your hair down. But the beauty of “Ratbag Joy” is its contradiction. The high-energy track, with its bright and punchy production, is ironically composed, as are its lyrics. There is a raw honesty in the storytelling, a painting of denial and the chaos of pretending everything is cool that is bent beneath a sugar-coated beat that you won’t be able to resist pressing repeat on.
The New Citizen Kane makes experiences. “Ratbag Joy” is a testament to that alchemy, fusing opposites into something intriguingly-or, if you prefer, uniquely-compelling. It’s a song that refuses to be placed in one mental lane, one that demands listeners pay attention while still catering to the breezy type of vibes that should be on everyone’s summertime playlist.
With this album, The New Citizen Kane makes great music that doesn’t simply make you think. “Ratbag Joy” is out now to stream everywhere, and it’s one of those songs you’ll keep coming back to when you need a little bit of a pick-me-up and a dash of honesty.
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