There’s an initial sense of sweet, dizzying euphoria when you first press play on The New Citizen Kane’s latest single, “Ratbag Joy”. Along with that comes the delayed aftertaste of alcohol-induced anxiety. “Ratbag Joy” sounds like the joyful dance of someone hollowed out inside. At first, it feels like a blinkered, brainless, synth-led club track pulsating synths riding an infectiously percussive beat, inviting immediate audience participation. But as the track unfolds, the lyrics expose something deeper: a raw exploration of emotional hurt that usually stays hidden. Lines like “sin, sin, white dust” and the repeated chant “trying to feel alright tonight” reflect a sorrowful public mask, where hedonistic joy disguises inner turmoil. This contrast between carefree sound and haunting meaning is what elevates “Ratbag Joy” beyond a typical dance-floor anthem.
Visually, this becomes even more powerful. The accompanying music video, filmed in the East London borough of Hackney, features dancers from multiple disciplines street, ballet, contemporary each moving with a mix of elegance and chaos. The editing adds to the instability: glitch effects, rapid cuts, and moments of raw spontaneity. The result feels like a visual expression of someone mentally unraveling, desperately trying to stay composed. It’s chaotic, frenzied, and slightly anarchic yet it avoids pretension. More importantly, it feels real. The dancing bursts with energy and physicality, while still hinting at the emotional struggle that lies beneath the surface.
This is a track unafraid to unsettle, yet it never loses its vibe. Few songs manage to balance such emotional weight with danceable momentum, but The New Citizen Kane achieves that difficult harmony. “Ratbag Joy” is a canny, sharply crafted single that draws listeners into a deeper headspace without letting go of the beat. As a lead up to the upcoming album ‘Psychedelika’, it sets a striking tone both stylistically and emotionally. With this release, The New Citizen Kane proves he’s not just creating tracks for the moment; he’s building music that lingers.
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