The New Citizen Kane is the dynamic stage persona of Kane Luke, a singer, songwriter, and producer whose artistic journey began in London after a notable stint with Milan’s Fuorifase Records. Having emerged in 2010 after years of evolution that saw him work under his real name and as Discokane, Kane Luke crafted an identity that blends music, fashion, pop culture, and visual arts.
His early work, including the influential 2014 debut album “It’s Not Science… It’s A Feeling,” paid homage to the classic film “Citizen Kane” while melding the infectious grooves of 80s and 90s house, dance, and synth pop. With comparisons to icons such as George Michael, Depeche Mode, and the Pet Shop Boys, The New Citizen Kane has built a reputation for vibrant live performances and a fearless willingness to explore different creative avenues. Now, at 42, his journey reflects both a deep well of personal experiences and a confidence that has transformed his music into a true reflection of himself.
Released on January 31st, 2025, “The Tales of Morpheus” is a deeply personal and audacious album that marks a turning point in The New Citizen Kane’s artistic career. Recorded entirely in a spare bedroom home studio, this 21-track release is as much a therapeutic exploration as it is a musical endeavor. Born from a period of anxiety and self-discovery, the album is a sonic diary where every track serves as a chapter from Kane’s life, imbued with introspective, self-aware lyrics and a playful charm that invites listeners into his world. The album’s themes are as varied as its musical styles, exploring self-discovery, the pain of toxic relationships, and the transformative power of transcendent love. Each song is a chapter in an ongoing narrative, reflecting late-night recording sessions and mobile app beat-making that speak to the spontaneity and vulnerability of the creative process.
At the heart of “The Tales of Morpheus” is Kane’s intimate vocal delivery. His voice, at times both commanding and tender, floats effortlessly over the mix, enhanced by subtle effects that add to the album’s surreal, otherworldly feel. The decision to embrace a fully solo production process except for the occasional guitar contribution by long-time friend James Chalkwood, has allowed Kane to assert his creative instincts without compromise. This shift from previous collaborative efforts to a more self-reliant production approach has resulted in music that is unmistakably authentic, capturing the essence of his personality and the depth of his personal experiences.
The Tales of Morpheus Album Track List:
Morpheus In The Club:
“Morpheus In The Club” opens as the ultimate gateway into “The Tales of Morpheus,” establishing a vibrant, captivating atmosphere that resonates throughout the entire album. From the very beginning, the track captivates with a deep, clear beat that is both expertly crafted and irresistibly catchy. The pulsating bassline supports the music with a vitality that feels both solid and intentionally designed. Layered over this base, ethereal pads and sparkling electronic accents create a dreamlike soundscape, inviting listeners into a trance where the lines between reality and the fantastical seamlessly intertwine.
As the track progresses, the interaction of vocals enhances its mesmerizing nature. A strong male vocalist leads, matching the relentless beat with a tone that is both commanding and captivating. This is beautifully contrasted by the occasional yet emotive entrance of a female voice, her delivery airy and layered with reverb, impacts an otherworldly quality that injects the track’s with a surreal vibe. The combination of these vocal elements with the deep house-driven beat produces a dynamic interplay between rhythm and melody, solidifying the track’s reputation as a thoughtfully curated journey into electronic bliss.
The production of “Morpheus In The Club” exemplifies artistry in harmony and intricacy, where every component is allowed to resonate and add to the overall sound landscape without overshadowing the others. The rich, flowing synth layers and the detailed, changing instrumentation blend seamlessly with the vocals, creating an enveloping atmosphere that is both captivating and energizing. This track goes beyond the usual limits of a club anthem; it presents an experience in its own right. This track is a finely crafted odyssey into the realms of electronic sound that encourages listeners to immerse themselves in a state of ecstatic, nearly transcendent dancefloor bliss.
Killer Charisma:
“Killer Charisma,” the second track on “The Tales of Morpheus”, quickly immerses listeners in its captivating and energetic atmosphere. From the very first beat, the song exudes confidence and flair, driven by a vibrant rhythm that is both sharp and infectious. The production is clear and dynamic, combining deep, throbbing bass with crisp electronic bursts that evoke an exhilarating sense of urgency. While it is grounded in electro-pop and deep house, a subtle hint of funk introduces a playful yet edgy element to the piece, making it irresistibly danceable and unpredictably intriguing. The outcome is a sound that feels bold, polished, and stylishly cool.
At the center of “Killer Charisma” is a leading vocal performance that encapsulates the essence of the song’s title with seamless grace. Sung with a smooth tone, the vocals convey a sense of mystery, with each line imbued with a mesmerizing charm. The harmonies enhance the track’s enigmatic character, heightening the tension between the authoritative voice and the sharp instrumentation. The interaction between the bassline and rhythmic synthesizers creates a groove that is both captivating and mesmerizing, drawing the listener into a realm where charisma functions as both a weapon and a spell.
In addition to its dancefloor vibrancy, “killer Charisma” also conveys a more profound social critique, using its funky, disco-inspired base to examine themes of power, control, and the heady effects of influence. The track’s cinematic essence makes it feel like more than just music, it transforms into an experience, a sonic embodiment of charm. The sleek, immaculate production guarantees that every sound holds its significance, allowing the track’s energy and tension to progressively escalate, ensuring it never loosens its grip on the audience. With its combination of tight, anthemic rhythms and an air of enigma that borders on hypnotic, “Killer Charisma” exemplifies a masterclass in controlled energy, leaving listeners both entranced and eager to dance.
Stupid Blue:
“Stupid Blue,” the fifth song on “The Tales of Morpheus”, represents a departure from the album’s more energetic tracks, drawing the listener into a contemplative and emotionally charged realm. It begins with a soft guitar melody that is both light and laden with feeling, immediately establishing a cinematic, dreamlike atmosphere. As the steady, heartbeat-like kick drum introduces itself, it anchors the track in a slow-building groove, evoking a sense of quiet urgency. The vocals emerge with a soft intensity, carrying a raw vulnerability that feels both close and distant, akin to a confession whispered under city lights. This ambiance is further enriched by subtle electronic beats, which contribute texture and depth while maintaining the song’s delicate emotional essence.
As the piece progresses, “Stupid Blue” skillfully balances restraint with release. The chorus evolves into a lush, atmospheric rise, where the vocals adopt a more passionate quality, longing yet maintaining their graceful control. The deep bass shifts gently beneath the layers, imparting warmth and movement to the music, while the contrast between the melancholic lyrics and the soothing sonic elements creates a striking dichotomy. Each note, every pause, and every breath within the piece is carefully positioned, giving the song a spaciousness that deepens its emotional impact. The production is immaculate, allowing the instruments to breathe naturally, resulting in a track that feels timeless, like a fleeting moment of introspection expanded into eternity.
At its essence, “Stupid Blue” transcends being merely a song, it serves as an experience, a vivid exploration of yearning and emotional complexity. With influences of bluesy, trip-hop sounds, the track examines the intricacies of toxic relationships, portraying the struggle between heartache and acceptance. The concluding moments linger like an incomplete thought, enveloping the listener in its haunting radiance, with the echoes of its sorrow and beauty resonating long after the final note fades.
Alchemy:
As the nineteenth track on The Tales of Morpheus, “Alchemy” presents a captivating and engaging experience, skillfully merging aspects of electronica, ambient, and deep house into an alluring, genre-blurring soundscape. From the initial notes, the track enchants with warm analog synths and ethereal vocal harmonies that float just beyond reach, fashioning a space that feels both personal and otherworldly. The tempo, slow yet purposeful, throbbing with quiet power beneath layers of complex percussion that crackle and shine like far-off sparks. A deep, resonant bassline vibrates beneath everything, anchoring the track’s otherworldly textures with a steady rhythm that resembles a heartbeat. The vocals are captivating, gentle yet assertive, infused with a quiet reverence that enhances the song’s surreal quality. Each lyric seems deliberate, weaving flawlessly into the music’s opulent tapestry, drawing the listener further into its mesmerizing hold.
As “Alchemy” progresses, it becomes evident that its real enchantment stems from its ability to harmonize restraint with depth, forging an evolving, fluid soundscape that reflects the idea of transformation. The production is rich yet carefully managed, allowing each sonic component to flourish while still upholding a captivating sense of motion. The melodies are smooth, effortlessly gliding over the track’s robust harmonic base, reinforcing the song’s theme of love and chemistry in a manner that feels both profoundly personal and universally relatable. There is an unmistakable sensuality woven into the music that renders “Alchemy” almost as a sonic embodiment of human connection itself.
As the final notes fade into silence, “Alchemy” evokes a lingering sense of transcendence, as if something has transformed within the listener. It transcends being merely a song to become a moment, an experience that encapsulates the essence of sonic metamorphosis, where sound and emotion fuse into something entirely unique. The New Citizen Kane showcases an unmatched talent for creating music that is immersive, evocative, and profoundly impactful, with “Alchemy” standing as a testament to that artistry. It is a track that encourages the listener to surrender, to feel, and ultimately, to evolve alongside it.
Musically, the album is an eclectic blend that fuses elements of electronic music, indie pop, new wave, nu disco, jazz, and bossanova. This rich tapestry of influences results in a sound that is both varied and cohesive, a true reflection of the artist’s multifaceted vision. The production quality is impeccable; every deep bassline, shimmering synth, intricate percussion, and atmospheric layer has been meticulously placed to create a soundscape that is both hypnotic and emotionally resonant. The sonic journey shifts seamlessly between pulsating club energy and more ethereal, slow-burning soundscapes, giving the album an expansive dynamic that feels cinematic in its execution.
In every track, listeners can sense the deliberate shedding of past stylistic constraints, a bold leap into uncharted emotional territory that is both raw and refreshingly honest. “The Tales of Morpheus” is not merely an album; it is an immersive experience that invites its audience to lose themselves in a meticulously crafted electro-pop odyssey. From its electrifying opening moments to its meditative closing passages, the record stands as a testament to The New Citizen Kane’s evolution as an artist, an evolution marked by a newfound confidence and an uncompromising commitment to self-expression. Go check out this album, it’s a journey you won’t want to miss.
For more information about The New Citizen Kane, click on the icons below.
Listen to “The Tales of Morpheus” by The New Citizen Kane and many more in our Electronic / SynthPop / Experimental playlist.